Cotswold stables get ready for new season (From Evesham Journal)

Cotswold stables get ready for new season

12:10pm Sunday 20th December 2009

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COTSWOLD-based trainers are vying for position ahead of the resumption of the point-to-point season.

The campaign re-starts at the Harkaway Club at Chaddesley Corbett on December 28.

Kim Smyly (from Stanton): Nick Sutton has acquired Predatuer, an ex-Paul Nicholls six-year-old who had four wins from 20 outings under Rules, the last a two-mile chase at Newton Abbott in 2009.

Keel Road will carry the same colours and although he showed nothing for Donald McCain under Rules he did win an Irish Point-to-Point in the soft in 2008.

Isle Or Skye was beaten by the progressive Big Bird last year but can build on her subsequent success at Tweseldown, while Anthony Ward Thomas has the 11-year-old Dante Citizen.

David Maxwell will team up with Good Return, a six-year-old who finished second and third in two Irish Point-to-Points and Rosie Thompson has the seven-year-old Classic Cliché gelding Prince Aeneaf who had similar form in 2007.

Paul & Lucy King (Weston-Sub-Edge): Teme Willows’ half brother Mr Nagle was a model of consistency last year and connections are hopeful that he can build on his victory over Fiftyyears On at Paxford and his runners up spot behind Ice Cool Benny at Garnons.

Scott Joynes (Moreton-In-Marsh): Tasha Seely did well with The Rainbow Hunter last year who has subsequently been placed third on his debut for Andy Turnell.

She has another four-year-old to campaign this year.

Tommy Goodman has sent Joynes Dickensbury Lad who finished third in a Cheltenham Hunter Chase in 2008.

China Chase is returning after an 18-month lay off and is likely to be aimed at Ladies races although he is bound to be ring rusty after such a long absence.

Grand Silence has joined the yard after finishing second in a beginner’s chase at Fontwell.

The six-year-old was also placed in a couple of point-to-points for Kevin Tork.

Seanin McPherson (Stow-on-the-Wold): The stable has big plans for Rien A Perdre.

Decent ground will be required for a run in open company in January and this will be followed by a hunter chase about a month later.

Providing the gelding has performed up to expectations connections are hoping a tilt at the Aintree Foxhunters will follow.

Calvic missed last year with leg problems and as he requires soft ground and an extended trip it’s a case of finding the right races for him, although a race at the two-day Barbury fixture and the Lord Ashton of Hyde Cup are likely to figure on his agenda.

Porta Vogie has an Irish point-to-point win to his credit but he failed to make the grade over hurdles for Ian Williams.

Jo Paddock’s (Chipping Campden) hopes lie with The Lady Would, Guzzle, and Sodbuster.

Naunton-based Marcella Bayliss, Emma Baker and Fergal O’Brien are also competing this season, which started on November 29.

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