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MY OLD PIANO: Looking for a winning return after a string of successes in 2010/11
photo: Grace Beresford

The Yorkshire Area gets off to a flying start this Sunday as trainers nationwide head to the Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club meeting at Sheriff Hutton this Sunday (15th).

Former Cheltenham Foxhunter contenders Amicelli and Special Portrait are amongst the star studded entries. Admission is £10 per person and is a bargain for what's guaranteed to be a high class start to the season.

The first race is the Club Members Race and there is no shortage of entrants. Anotherbuck and Rakerin Lad are just two of the Northern raiders, however after facing off last season Rakerin Lad would have the better chance. Dark Moon has a fine record at this track and could be one to catch fresh so should make a value each way bet. Elusive Swallow and Father Murtagh are both fine stayers, though may have to play a supporting role on this occasion, whilst the prolific winning Keeverfield, who secured four Ladies Opens last year, could give the main contenders the most to think about. Forsomeonelikeyou was a dual winner last season for the Sutcliffes, while Lem Putt looked like he could go right to the top and never quite delivered, so don't be surprised to see a good run from him. Chip N Pin and Bitter Blue look the pair to beat, with the latter just getting up in a narrow finish to win the Heart Of All England last season.
Selection - Bitter Blue

The second race is the Restricted and looks a tough contest. Easingwold winner Adin Abroad was impressive last year, Bright Cloud's jumping leaves something to be desired however clearly has the ability to go well, Cherryland has run well at higher levels than this, whilst Grounded Again almost landed the money at Alnwick when bouncing back to form to finish a close second. Pear Charles was second in a Perth Novices' Hunters' Chase so is clearly capable of taking an event such as this, whilst stable mate Cliff Climber boasts strong Novice Hurdle form in Ireland and should not be under estimated. Sportingfriendship and Winter Sunshine both broke their maidens last year with the latter having the best chance, whilst Tinkwood catches the eye for Oliver Greenall. Kiestown Chief showed some strong credentials in Ireland along with a highly creditable second this season at Chaddesley Corbett and could have the form to win. Dougall has an outside chance for a strong stable, whilst Irish winners Jasper Massini and Justforthebuzz may be worth a second look.
Selection - Kiestown Chief

The Mens Open contains some former top class horses under Rules, including Belon Gale. Formerly trained by Howard Johnson, Belon Gale reached an official rating of 137 and looks an out and out stayer. Borero showed little form in France until coming to England and winning on his first start, four-time winner Just Smudge was a decent performer for Venetia Williams, whilst former Tim Walford inmate Sheriff Hutton won three chases in his career as well as making an appearance at this seasons' Cheltenham Festival. Wild Is The Wind is undefeated in Points and also has a highly consistent record in Hunter Chases so could make a place. Special Portrait looks top class in Points and shouldn't be far away. My Old Piano has a huge string of successes to his name and the Easterbys will be hoping to get off to a flying start.
Selection - My Old Piano

The Novice Riders looks to be a competitive event with 24 entrants. Arnold Layne has a string of victories under Rules to his name, and made a promising return to Points when seventh in a Mens Open at Chaddesley Corbett. Ballynonty went close on two occasions last season, whilst Canada Street continued to look like he has a race in him so could go well. Desert Tommy has a very good record in Points and if is on song for new connections can give a good show of himself. Mr Gossip was somewhat frustrating last season after a string of placed efforts and may have to provide a minor role again. Nippy Des Mottes was a useful performer with Paul Nicholls but looks best at sub 3m trips these days, whilst Sonevafushi won this last year but looks like age may be catching up with him now and Sesame Rambler will be hopefully giving Shane Marriott his Pointing debut. Hunter Chase winner Pristine Condition looks a class above these and should be hard to beat.
Selection - Pristine Condition

The Ladies Open has received the least entries, though as an added bonus it has been promoted to an AGA qualifier, with the final taking place at Cheltenham. Former Foxhunter winner Amicelli may not be in the same form but can still give a strong account of himself. Forsomeonelikeyou was a dual winner last year but may lack the class of a few of these, whilst Madison De Vonnas, who is a credit to his owner/trainer/rider Emma Todd with his consistency, could sneak a place. Narcisco has run well here and although a useful performer in Points tends to needs his first run. Optimistic Harry continues to do well but may have to play a supporting role, where as Sea Scout was right back to his best at Alnwick when fending off some useful contenders and if overcoming a hard race could be hard to beat.
Selection - Sea Scout

In Division One of the Open Maiden, former Trevor Hemmings-owned Artic Pride has some respectable placed efforts over hurdles and should stay well. Battle Range is half brother to Poplin who was narrowly beaten in a Listed event on the flat for Luca Cumani. The Easterby contingent consists of Rear Admiral, who was third in two novice hurdles, and Royal Deal, who showed his effectiveness over this trip at Kelso where he was third, whilst Classinaglass who is well related and was a runner-up on both occasions last year should go close. Mister Splodge has shown signs of ability along with the John Wade pair Harbour Way and Digg Whitaker.
Selection - Classinaglass

Division Two completes the seven race card and contains 18 entrants. Floraclock has shown some respectable efforts in novice hurdles and looks bred for this job. Mac Steamy finished only 13 lengths behind the talented Moonlight Drive when in Ireland, Quilver Tatou contested the Aintree 4yo Hurdle which was won by Binocular and a maiden could prove a penalty kick. Sous Mix has earned himself a rating of 111 which is good enough to contest most Open races, and looks well in here. Dead Ringa has been showing some good homework and could provide a good each way selection, whilst Lord William is from a long line of winning Pointers but may be best watched for now.
Selection - Sous Mix

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