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ALYSIA'S FLAME: third last time out
photo: Tim Holt

Ballydub, who was just touched off at Chipley Park in January, can open his Pointing account for the Polly Curling stable in the Taunton Vale Foxhounds Mens Open at Kingston St Mary on Sunday.

The winner of an Irish Point-to-Point, and subsequently two UK hurdle races for Philip Hobbs, Ballydub was not disgraced when fifth in testing conditions at Barbury Castle. Opposition could include the consistent Richard Barber-trained Mustangsallyrally, Laura Claydon's Hunter Chase winner King's Wood and Martin Pitchwood, who has failed to complete in two outings this season. Different Trades stayed on to finish third to Southwestern and Gungadu at Buckfastleigh and may be the one for the forecast.

Oracle des Mottes and Here's Johnny, who were third and fifth behind Description and Theatre Diva at Larkhill, can renew rivalry in the Ladies Open, which has attracted 19 Entries. Former high-class hurdler and chaser Over The Creek, who has twice finished second at the Cheltenham Festival, Long Night and Buckfastleigh runner-up Jean's Joy will all relish a test of stamina. Own Line and Nobody Tells Me will be supported, but Marie McGuinness has entered Dunthrop runner-up Chiaro and Croix de Guerre for the Hobbs family and her chosen runner will be the sporting selection. Oracle des Mottes may prove the strongest challenger.

Long Night and Cousin John were first and second in last year's Hunt Members race and can renew rivalry in Sunday's contest, which has attracted seven competitive Entries. Alysia's Flame was a good third at Badbury Rings on Sunday and may get the better of her more experienced rivals.

Now Listen To Me created a tremendous impression when cruising home at Milborne St Andrew and cannot be opposed in the Intermediate. Lord Brunello, who was a good second at Badbury Rings last weekend, along with Turtle Tim look the two for the minor placings.

Alysia's Flame is among the 23 Entries for the Restricted and will get the vote if connections take this option. In her absence, easy Ideford Arch winner Isitanywonder and Russian Rain, who made a pleasing winning debut at Badbury Rings last season, are the two to choose from.

Godstone runner-up Cut The Lugsreilly holds an entry in both the Open Maiden and the Confined Maiden contests. Tregaro, who was second at Milborne St Andrew may be the strongest challenger in the former. I'm The Article may be an alternative for the Confined event.

A big screen will give superb viewing of all the races and to round off the day is the 12f Taunton Vale Charity Flat Race, run this year in aid of the Conquest Centre, Riding for the Disabled.

The course is at Fennington Farm, 3 miles N of Taunton off the A358 (TA2 8AS). Admission: £20 per car and up to 5 occupants (£5 additional occupants, under 16s free), £10 single occupancy and £5 pedestrians. First race: 12.00 noon.

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