The Point to Point season is due to start on 2 nd of December with meetings in Devon and Hampshire. Nearer to the Midlands however, two meetings are scheduled in that month, at Cottenham near Cambridge on the 9 th and the 30 th. The first local meeting, The Midlands Area Club, takes place at Thorpe Lodge, Nottingham on 27 th January.
As expected local stables are primed to introduce some new young horses whilst anticipating success from proven stars.
Gerald Bailey
The Bailey team have 15 Pointers in their stables at Spratton, on the borders of Northants. Spearheading a strong stable looks to be Denvale and Persian Hero. The former has been bought by Richard Hunnisett who looks set to gain a few successes on this nine year old. Dickie Barrett will take the bulk of the rides whilst Jonny Bailey is hoping to increase his tally.
Mike & Jill Dawson
Mike and Jill Dawson of Upham Lord fame have 4 pointers in their yard. Commanche Hero has now been retired but Sir Story and Virgin Soldier look capable of giving Jill some winning rides in Ladies Opens this coming season. A newcomer here is Vingis Park, obtained recently from Victor Darnell. Another worth noting is Bentoto, an unraced six year old.
Sue and Patrick Hutchinson
Sue and Patrick Hutchinson train at Theddingworth, near Market Harborough. They have 6 Pointers in their stables and these include newcomers, Wild Is The Wind, a six year old, who may be aimed at Hunter Chases and High Gear from the Jonjo O’Neil stable. Nonantais is a French bred 9 year old bought from Mark Bradstock. This one may be aimed at the Cambridge University meeting at Cottenham in December. Daughter Gemma and son Sam look to take the bulk of these rides.
Joan Tice
Joan Tice who breeds and trains in the adjacent village to Gerald and Caroline Bailey has 6 pointers. Two of these are with Jenny Garley at Guilsborough. Teeton Bollinger, who had an exceptional season last year looks the pick of the stable.
Bill Warner
Another stable with high prospects is the Bill Warner/ Judy Wilson partnership who train at Meads Ashby. Heading the stables specialists are the very useful Coolefind, who together with Tallow Bridge are considered for the Hunter Chase scene. Sydneytwothousand, Rathmoley and Murphymeboy have seasonal expectations and a nice five year old homebred from Overbury and Spalease could be promising. The stable will again have the services of top rider Stuart Morris.
Nick Kent
Nick Kent has 14 horses in his stables at Newstead Priory near Brigg. Of these he has taken in eight maidens, purchased at Doncaster sales and privately. He has high hopes for a five year old named Farmer Frank who ran a decent second on his first run last year. Another to note is Vic’s Last Chance who ran third at Cheltenham last season. Simon Walker and Clair Allen will take some rides.
Malcolm Arthurs
Malcolm Arthurs has just the one horse, True Friday, in training at Bedworth. He expects another decent season with the mare, who had two good runs last year. She will possibly go to Thorpe Lodge early season with Richard Armson on board.
Roger Harvey
Roger Harvey has 8 Pointers in his stables at Horton on the Hill. Two of these came from the Doncaster Sales. Watch The Space is a six year old with potential and Cash In Hand is likely to go Hunter Chasing. Although stable jockey Lenny Hicks has now moved to Australia, the accomplished Sarah Phizacklea will be available.
Tim Tarratt
Waltham on the Wolds trainer, Tim Tarratt will kick the season off with 8 Pointers. Sovereign Quest beat a good field at the Melton Hunt Club and looks to be the spearhead this coming season.
A new youngster named Tiger Tim, a six year old named Darn Good, bought from Alan King and seven year old Barrows Pike, who is still a maiden, are all expected to progress.
Antonia Bealby
Chris and Antonia Beelby will have 11 Pointers in their stables at Barrowby, near Grantham and hope to have some success with Eskimo Pie, an eight year old who has performed well in hurdles and chases. They also have two unbroken youngsters and are probably aiming for Ampton as their first venue.
Holly Campbell
Holly Campbell has her stables at Maresfield, near Tilton on the Hill and she starts the season with 9 horses. Bedtime Boys had a slight setback last year but could still produce the goods this coming season. A newcomer is the five year old Minella Boys who was bought at the Doncaster sales and may make his debut at Brocklesby Park. Oscar Buck won a maiden last year and looks another prospect. Jo Docker is likely to take some of these rides.
Laura Pomfret
Also at Tilton on the Hill is the stables of Nick and Laura Pomfret and they have a total of 15 Pointers in their yard, the bulk of these being Maidens. Cameroon was a winner for the stable on his only start last year and could be useful. Two others worth a mention are a nice filly called Smart Mistress and a youngster named Karrie. Mathew Mackley and Scott Pattell may share the rides.
Andrew Sansome
Andrew Sansome starts the season with 4 horses in his yard. Astonville won at Maisemore Park last year and is expected to run when the ground is soft. Irish Hawk is a five year old bred in Germany and Hawthorne Bay, another youngster could be useful later in the season.
