THE Cotley point-to-point takes place at the attractive course at Cotley Farm, near Chard, on Bank Holiday Monday.

THE Cotley point-to-point takes place at the attractive course at Cotley Farm, near Chard, on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May. Racing begins at 1.30pm with six point-to-point races, followed by two Wessex Area pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Final at Larkhill at the end of May.Whizzaar, the winner of two point-to-points and an Ascot Hunter chase already this season, is the automatic selection for the opening Hunt race if taking up the engagement. In his absence, Weycroft Lad - placed in two 2008 outings - and last year's runner-up Boulsdon Boy have chances, but Emile Zola was third at Great Trethew and will get the vote to win for the Charlotte Tizzard stable.Charlotte has double chances with Fully Loaded and Woodbridge Quest in the Mixed Open. Bush Park cannot be discounted after his fine second at Littlewindsor, while Thematis is certain to stay on strongly whatever the conditions. Ask Again never threatened the leaders at Flete Park in April, but will be fancied to resume winning ways. Woodbridge Quest has put up two fine performances at Badbury Rings and should mount a strong challenge.Ask Again and Bush Park hold entries for the Countryside Alliance Club Members race for 10yo&above. Strong stayers Ask Henry and Long Night have chances, but Richard Barber has a strong hand with Rye Brook and Spuddler's Dream, and his chosen runner will get the vote.National Champion Polly Gundry can choose between Flete Park winner Carrie On and Littlewindsor runner-up Quite A Splash in the Restricted, which has attracted 16 entries. The strongest challenge may come from the Marie McGuinness-trained Violet Elizabeth, a Cothelstone winner for show jumping commentator Stephen Hadley in March, and Twoee, who ran on strongly to score for Richard and Sherilyn King at the Seavington.Elevenses, Karrot Kake and The Dark Horse are three suggestions for the 2m4f Open Maiden. Catch You Later and Oneoneeight may be two to choose from for the 3m contest.The course lies 2 miles SW of Chard, one and a half miles off the A30, signposted from the western end of Chard (TA20 3EP). First race: 1.30pm. Admission: �20 per car; �10 car with driver only.