THE first fixture of the 2018 point-to-point season in the North Yorkshire region takes place tomorrow - the Yorkshire Area Point to Point Club meeting at Sheriff Hutton, on trainer Mick Easterby's land.

The YAPPC will again donate a proportion of their profits to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, having raised more than £60,000 to date.

The seven-race card begins at noon and a total of 142 entries has been received. Admission to the event is £10.

The opening Club Members race has received a significant number of entries and has therefore been divided.

Division one could see the return of last season's Yorkshire Stratford hero, Young Hurricane. Despite several below-par efforts at this meeting, he seems to be in the form of his life now.

Division two looks to be dominated by horses from outside the area, including last year's winner of this race, Grandturgeon.

Horses with a run under their belt could come to the fore in the Restricted race, such as Monsun Storm and Crazy Penguin. The former is expected to have benefited from his run at Alnwick, but is well held on that run by the latter. Crazy Penguin, narrowly beaten that time, failed to progress as expected last season but his recent form is the best on offer.

The Ladies' Open could be exciting. Prolific winner Palypso De Creek, despite advancing in age, relishes these conditions but only raced once last year and, despite being the class act, could be vulnerable to the talented Knocklong, who is unbeaten in his nine completed starts. Knocklong's most recent hunter chase win at Southwell looked very impressive.

The Men's Open could be the most exciting race of the day with numerous talented performers taking part.

Ardea might get the nod - he has never stopped impressing and continues his impressive strike rate in points for trainer Justin Landy.

The Open Maiden has received a large number of entries and could be split on the day.

Another Day Done and Sir Lonica bring good from Ireland, with jockey Will Milburn saying of the former: "He's done well since he arrived. He looks to stay well and should be a nice type."

The final race is the 2m 4f maiden for four, five and six-year-olds. Several runners are double entered in the previous race but ones to watch include Jaxlight, Mr Baresi and Snow Castle.