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GEMINI AHHS: Intermediate possible

Maisemore Park has a reputation for providing good ground even in the most testing of circumstances. That has resulted in a massive entry of 249 for Sundays Point-to-Point and meant a baptism of fire for the fixture's new Secretaries, Sarah Smith and Sally Pritchard.

The meeting opens with the Members at 12.30pm and with several of the participants having alternative engagements during the afternoon, the result is difficult to predict. 

The conditions of the race seem to favour Just Talking and this would be a popular success with Owner Phillip Houldey farming at Hasfield in the heart of the Ledbury country.

Noble Ben has to come into the reckoning on the strength of the Forthampton-trained gelding's successes at Whitwick and Kingston Blount, while there is every chance that Openditch could prevail for Upton-on-Severn Trainer Claudia Wilesmith.

Taken By Storm and Sykee Savage could play a part in proceedings, whereas Saint Reverien has proved that he still retains some ability with a recent win at Howick. Clive Hitchings's veteran has refused to accept retirement but the application of earplugs brought about a marked improvement in his performance at Howick. It would not be surprising to see the Hanley Swan-trained gelding chalk up another success.

A quick glance at the entries for the Mixed Open reveals that at least five of them (Cannon Bridge, Cedrus Libani, Double Mead, Horsham Lad and Lady Myfanwy) have Hunter Chase successes to their credit.

Kicks for Free has won his last three outings in Ladies Opens, while Naunton Brook and Willie Twiston-Davies have proved a revelation since their defeat earlier in the season. Up There was surprisingly beaten at Whitfield, while others to note include Tribal Venture, Ruairi and Fresh Air And Fun.

James Richardson Northleach stable is finding its form and Merlins Wish who landed an Ashorne Maiden at the end of last season is sure to progress further - how far will depend on his performance in this race.

Fergal O'Brien's Hall Kelly is open to improvement and the stable will be looking for that, while Prof de L'Isle and Twiga Woods have plenty to prove in this company.

Entries for the West Midland Area Club race feature such old favourites as Honest Endeavour, Jaunty Times, Mister Kay Bee, New Series, Niver Bai, Present D'Aze and Tribal Venture, with preference given to Mister Kay Bee and New Series.

The Intermediate is another step up the ladder for recent winners Findlays Find and Gemini Ahhs, although the latter's Trainer Fergal O'Brien has a second string to his bow in Present D'Aze. Ice Cool Benny has yet to re-find winning form after fracturing his pedal bone last year, while Le Millenaire bounced back with a good win at Didmarton.

Princess Fyona has been absent for a few weeks so that does not count in her favour while That's Ben is one to note for the future and it will be disappointing if he cannot take this race in his stride.

With 65 Entries from far and wide, the three mile Maiden is a potential minefield for anybody seeking the winner. Beacon Bright, Beths Star, Icansingarainbow, Plettenburg and Ringadingadoo have all caught the eye during the early weeks of the season and at least they have shown a semblance of form which is more than could be said for some of their rivals.

The 2m5f Maiden looks a competitive race. Coddington Lass is clearly on the upgrade and made amends for her last fence departure by finishing runner up at Bangor on Dee and is sure to acquit herself well.

Kruzhlinin was still in with a chance when parting company with Dave Mansell at the penultimate two weeks ago. It is hoped the jockey will be fit enough to renew the partnership on Sunday and with all the allowances in his favour the four-year-olds chances should not be under estimated.

To hear all updates supplied throughout the week and on the morning of the meeting, call the Talking Point news line on 09068 44 60 61*.

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