THE first Cornish point to point of the new season takes place at Great Trethew near Liskeard, on Sunday, where racing gets under way at 12 noon. The East Cornwall fixture has attracted a total of 75 entries for their seven races starting with a four and five-year-olds point to point flat race.
All eight entries will be making their racecourse debuts, so with no form to go on, it looks a tricky affair for punters.
The Dennis family have won this race in the past and could have the answer in Mrs Pen. Christopher Barber may send Kalimalka Crest from his new base near Hereford, whilst the mares Green Bonnet and Mistletoe merit a look.
The Maiden has been split with 10 nominated in each division. El Capitaine was a warm favourite when finishing runner up for a Knightwick Maiden and wouldn’t need to improve much to win this. Always Force It stayed on well when placed at Dunsmore and the Yeats gelding Up Killoughey has some experience in Ireland, as does Blazing Force.
Hardy Buck ran really well at Dunsmore and looks best of those with experience in the second Maiden division. Celtic Harmony has had a run at Knightwick and Josh Newman has entered the ex-Irish Ted The Thief and debutant four-year-old Five Quarters who would be of interest. Frogman (James King) is in a good yard and is worth a look.
The Mixed Open is run over two and a half miles and has 17 entries. Another Furlough is progressive and beat a solitary opponent at Badbury Rings last week. Itacare has a similar profile and notched a hat trick last season under the talented Rian Corcoran. My Drogo, One For Rosie and the quirky Humaniste are all capable pointers, but in an intriguing contest my vote goes to Itacare.
Another strong field looks likely in the level 2 Conditions race for Grass Roots riders. Kayf Hernando won easily at Dunsmore but will have useful opposition here. The well bred Fighter Allen is a fascinating contender for the David Pipe yard, but I have a soft spot for Lakota Warrior from the Summersby yard, who might be able to defy his small penalty.
Jet Smart is heavily penalised in the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate and Holiday Fund would surely prefer quicker ground, so maybe Soldier Unknown can build on his excellent form last season. Bruce Gobbler or Summer Jam can also step up on their previous form.
The level 3 Conditions race closes the card. Angels Breath held a BHA rating of 151 in his younger days, winning good races at Ascot, and escapes a penalty here having been off the course for long periods. If Tim Vaughan can have him straight he would be the choice. Ask A Honey Bee and Hearts Corner are feared most out of the nine contenders.
Great Trethew is within easy reach, just off the A38 between Saltash and Liskeard. PL14 3PZ. The course offers excellent viewing with food, drinks and trade stands. Dogs on leads are welcome.