The 2007 Point to Point season is due to open about a month earlier this year than in previous seasons. However the Midland Area season is scheduled to take place at Thorpe Lodge, Nottinghamshire on Sunday 28 January.
Garthorpe, near Melton Mowbray will again hold five meetings during 2007 with the opener, the Cottesmore, due to race on Sunday 18 February.
As expected some top Midland stables are primed to introduce a number of new young horses whilst anticipating more success from proven stable stars.
Caroline and Gerald Bailey’s stable based just inside the Northamptonshire border have recently progressed to the professional ranks, however the Bailey team will still produce a fair share of Pointers. One to note is the lightly raced seven year old Bobbin, an imposing individual with genuine potential who could be worth noting in the early stages. Donald Will Do is another youngster with high expectations.
Another local stable with a good track record is the Judy Wilson/ Bill Warner partnership, who are based at Meads Ashby. The stable expect more success from Coole Glen, who ran a blinder at Larkhill last season. The lightly raced Sydney Twothousand and new youngster Rathmoley look good prospects. Top rider, Stuart Morris will be available again.
Jill and Mike Dawson, of Upham Lord fame, have introduced the Hunter Chase winner, Sea Ferry, to their stable. A nice unraced five year old called Bentoto is another exciting prospect.
Another stable who enjoy a fair share of winners are the Hutchinson’s who train near Theddingworth. Sue and Patrick have acquired the 13 year old, Unlimited Free and is likely to be ridden by son Sam, who had his first success last year at Guilsborough. Daughter Gemma, an accomplished lady rider, is available for the stables other stars. A nice looking newcomer called Limerick Leader is another recent purchase.
John Docker who trains near Coventry has three new horses. Bulmer Bank, a nice seven year old, who won a maiden last year and looks promising. Courage Under Fire, who raced under rules and won a Hunter Chase looks interesting. Sons Joe and Nick will share the rides.
Similar to the Bailey’s, Ben and Nicola Pollock race in the professional ranks but have 15 point to Pointers this year. The Stickler looks capable of heading this team whilst a new four year old by Sea Raven, yet unnamed has potential.
Andrew Sansome has a total of seven horses in training at Watham-on-the-Wolds. He has a nice five year old called Miss Hostage, which was purchased in Ireland and a four year old named Hawthorn Bay.
Malcolm Arthurs has just the one horse, True Friday, in training at Bedworth. Ridden by Richard Armson, hopes are high again this coming season.
Tony and Catherine Day train their four horses at Wolvey. They have purchased the promising 10 year old, Fusion of Tunes. Emperor Roscoe, who didn’t race last year, should return to winning ways in 2007. Son Jon will take the rides.
Holly Campbell has her stables at Marefield, near Tilton on the Hill and has four horses there at the moment. She is open to any support from new owners. Bedtime Boys who won a Hunter Chase at Market Rasen and ran well in the Cheltenham Foxhunters looks her best prospect. However the eight year old, Len Ross, who won the Maiden at Thorpe last season could continue to improve.
Also at Tilton on the Hill is the yard of Nick and Laura Pomfret and they stable a total of 15 horses. However some of these may run under rules. Cool Chille is a newcomer and has already won a Hunter Chase, this eight year old is likely to be aimed at two mile Hunter Chases. Hunca Munca won a Point to Point as a five year old but didn’t run last season. He could come back a stronger horse this coming year. Perseus Hill is a nice four year old of note.
Horton on the Hill trainer, Roger Harvey, has a total of ten horses in his yard and he will have the services of riders Lenny Hicks and Sarah Phizacklea again. Two of last seasons winners, Danaeve and Stiletto Lady have expectations and a nice five year old, Treasure Chief is one to note.
Compiled by Graham Taylor
(Midland Area P.R.)
Tel. 01162867002
