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HORSHAM LAD: leading contender for the Lady Dudley Cup
photo: Jackie Oliver

One of the highlights of the Point-to-Point season will take place at Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday afternoon with the running of the 2011 Lady Dudley Cup.

This prestigious trophy has always been one of the sport's most sought-after pieces of silverware and this year's race looks well up to standard. The 22 entries include Dante's Storm who has to be fancied on his fifth place in the Cheltenham Foxhunters but that race may have left its mark and others are preferred on this occasion.

Cedrus Libani or Horsham Lad could represent the Rucker family from Himbleton and it will be interesting to see which of their horses Richard Burton elects to ride.

Claines based Dr Richard Newland's hopes are carried by Burntoakboy but the gelding's well-documented breathing problems place a question mark over his chances. Creevytennant recorded a very fast time despite jumping right throughout when winning at Didmarton but he will not be able to take similar liberties against this opposition.

Just Talking and Oopsmylord have been running in Hunter Chases but may lack that vital turn of foot in the closing stages, whereas Nomadic Dreamer returned to form at Maisemore recently but this is a big step up in class. Reach for the Top has to be given a chance on his best form, while Up There finished third in last year's race. He has not been at his best recently and that has to be a cause for concern.

Naunton Brook lost his unbeaten record at Llanvapley, but the extra two furlongs of this contest are major points in his favour as is the presence of Willie Twiston-Davies in the saddle. There is a slight concern he could get beaten for speed at the finish. Surenaga scored an impressive win at the Ledbury, but there is a debate whether he will be able to stay in touch so that he can out-sprint the opposition in the closing stages.

Noble Ben also won at the Ledbury where he gave away a considerable amount of weight to some useful rivals. His colours still have to be lowered during 2011 and connections will be hoping that does not happen in this race.

The Members is usually won by a horse carrying the "old Ruston colours". Hall Kelly, Honest Endeavour, Rainbow Tree and Virginia Preuil all fall into this category and on recent form Rainbow Tree could prove the best of that quartet.

Iochtaran hails from Theresa Morris's yard at Rushock but he has something to find on this year's form. Johnny Kilawee's performances on the other hand have got better as the season has progressed. After finishing second at Maisemore it would not be surprising to see him claim first place for his Hindlip connections.

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