Point-to-point: Bumper entry for Sinnington (From Gazette & Herald)

Point-to-point: Bumper entry for Sinnington

9:20am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport

FINGERS will be firmly crossed that the Sinnington Hunt point-to-point meeting will beat the freeze at Duncombe Park on Sunday.

With last week’s meeting at Witton Castle abandoned, a bumper amount of entries have been received to prompt an eight-race card.

The Mixed Open has attracted a classy field headed by former Foxhunters winner Amicelli, while the Oliver Greenall inmate Sheriff Hutton will be keen to earn himself a place at Cheltenham.

The most eye-catching entrant is My Flora from the Sheila Crow yard.

Unbeaten until falling late on in a hunter chase behind Chapoturgeon recently, My Flora is a big fancy for Cheltenham.

The opening Hunt Members race includes last year’s runner-up John Dillon, but he could well be outclassed by Father Murtagh and Pristine Condition. Father Murtagh, who stays extra well was a creditable third to Sea Scout at Alnwick.

The Confined is always a strongly supported race and Chip N Pin, a progressive stayer last season and, running well until unseating at Sheriff Hutton, is one to consider.

Rustlin Rhino notched a quick double at Alnwick and is worth keeping track of as is Theatre Dance, who finished third at Alnwick on his point debut.

Another Sheila Crow runner, Woodview Prince, who romped a maiden at Caddesley Corbett, has strong claims in the Restricted race.

Chief competition could come from Reef Dancer, who was unlucky at Alnwick, and the useful Classinaglass, a cosy winner on his seasonal reappearance.

The Novice and Veteran riders race boasts the most entries at 29.

Dessert Tommy and The Ring, who were separated by a head at Sheriff Hutton, face off again, though the former is carrying a penalty.

Pristine Condition, however, looks to have the best form. After a string of placed results last season, including two victories, he should be capable of taking this.

The Maiden has been split three ways and in division one Dead Ringa looks as though he could go well after finishing runner-up to two useful maidens at Sheriff Hutton.

Harbour Way is a danger, while Mister Splodge looks ready to make his presence felt.

Division two could see Arctic Pride go well after a pleasing point debut at Sheriff, whilst Cherry’s Bay has a decent pedigree. However, Royal Deal has the best rules form here after finishing third over hurdles and earned himself a mark of 104.

Division three concludes the day’s racing and Candleford, a new recruit to pointing, has a mark of 95 over hurdles to make him an interesting contender. Iznt Getting Court has some respectable bumper efforts, but Sous Mix travelled like a winner last time and looks like a winner waiting to happen in what could be an average maiden.