Secretary: Mr George Pullen

M:  07879 645364

E:  george.pullen@jmfinn.com

Entries to:  The Point to Point Racing Co Ltd (www.pointtopointentries.co.uk )

Entries Close: Monday 11th March 2024, 12.30pm

Races: PPORA Conditions (Level 2 Novice and Veteran), Ladies Open, Mens Open, 6yr + Maiden, 4,5 year old Maiden (2m4f), Restricted

First race 12.30pm

ENTRY FEES  £50 per entry per race - NB. Online entry fees £50  2nd entry same horse £25

The very popular course at Ston Easton situated alongside the A37 hosts the annual Mendip Farmers point to point and an excellent afternoon’s racing is in prospect. The six races have attracted a good entry of 85 horses on going which is currently soft with some good to soft places. The feature race the Men’s Open will be run in memory of Keagan Kirkby who lived close by in Midsomer Norton and this will be a fitting tribute to a very much missed man who loved his point-to-point racing. In addition to the six races over the fences there will be three pony races after racing and this will be a chance to support the riders of the future.

There will be a large number of trade stands to browse, a big screen to watch the racing and the bookmakers to have a wager or two with and food and drink outlets to support.

The racing begins at 12.30 with a competitive-looking Conditions race for Veteran and Novice Riders for which 17 horses have been entered. Leading Novice rider Ed Vaughan has the option of either of Luke Price’s entries namely First Preference the winner of three races last season and Vermillion Cliffs who won his final two outings last season. Neither have run this season so it might be preferable to side with those with more recent form including Westhill, a close second at Badbury on his last outing, Itacare who has already won two of these races this season for the promising Rian Corcoran and A Jet of Our Own who has a good relationship with Fred Phillipson-Stow and he may be the one for this race. Beau du Brizais might appreciate a drop-in class and this veteran may have each way possibilities.

The Four- and Five-Years Old Maiden race over two and a half miles often produces a good winner and with little form on show from those who have already raced it may be sensible to consider one of the three entries who have yet to race. Tom Ellis who is shortly joining the professional training ranks has entered George Darling who is related to a winner under Rules and he should be considered as should Wake Up Hadley from Bradley Gibbs powerful stable. The other potential newcomer is the Zara Tindall, owned A Little Something who is a half-sister to Alan Hill’s I K Brunel. Chris Barber has the ex-Irish Mister Sky and the once raced Till You Can’t and his selection should be on the short list.

The Ladies Open race looks a quality event with the highly regarded Mr Glass, a fascinating ride for Olive Nicholls to look forward to. Already a winner at Chipley and Charlton Horethorne under Will Biddick he looks the one to beat. No Comment had a real battle with the veteran Tom Barton and that duel might take place again. Captain Biggles brings good form but found the going at Haydock in the Walrus Hunter Chase not to his liking – this better ground should be in his favour. Lusitanien won a Ladies at Charing but this looks much more competitive.

Captain Biggles also holds an entry in the Men’s Open as does Lusitanien but this race may be between First Preference if he does not run in the opening race and Duc de Bourbon. The latter a winner at Milborne St Andrew ridden by Charlie Sprake looks the one to beat if he produces a repeat of that form. The Kings Writ is now in the veteran stage of his racing career but still holds his form and his third place behind Dr Rhythm at Badbury was respectable and he should be considered.

The Restricted race has received an entry of sixteen horses including a number who have won this season. My Lucky Star won at Larkhill before being fourth at the same venue in December and should be placed at least. Hearts Corner ran well at Chipley and a repeat of that performance may be good enough. Comonilean won well at Charlton Horethorne and is on the upgrade. Quickcharge was runner up in his Hunt race but as this was behind the prolific Wagner that was no disgrace and he meets nothing of that calibre in this race. Tiger Tobin won a Maiden at Garthorpe and is of interest whereas All Thumbs Up won his only outing at Lydstep last season. 

The meeting concludes with the six-year-old and over Maiden race and of those with recent form Lavorante runner up at Ampton may be able to go one better for trainer Luke Price and jockey James King. Killard Point finished in the same place in a Restricted at Cothelstone last weekend and if this race does not come too soon, he must have every chance. Keepitfrombecky has been placed twice this season and his latest outing at Charlton Horethorne was encouraging. Sound of Music was runner up at Milborne and his victor Ocojohn has already won again since.  The unraced Southfield Scope is a half-brother to Southfield Theatre and this Telescope gelding trained by Will Biddick is one to note for the future.

Entry costs on the gate £15. Free admission for under 16’s.  The postcode is BA3 4DH

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