Point-to-point horse racing should be back on track after the recent winter chill with this coming Saturday’s (March 10) meeting at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary, writes Donna Harris.

Seven races will be on offer, which include the Michael Pidsley (The Devonshire Straw Man)-sponsored mixed open race.

Local trainer Ed Walker has two entered in the mixed open, with recent Buckfastleigh runner-up Inch Rock along with winner of seven points so far Kernal Victor; both should run well and would not have to travel far to arrive at the track.

They could come up against Colorado Doc, an entry for Welsh trainer David Brace who will be looking for the gelding to follow up on his recent win at Howick and win at this course at the November meeting. Kernal Victor is also entered in the opening members’ race, which kicks off the action at noon.

This race also has the Ray Alford-trained Herbert Park entered; a winner at Great Trethew he had some decent National Hunt Hurdle form when with the David Pipe yard.

Sixteen Letters stands out in the Mole Valley Farmers-sponsored open maiden race for four-, five- and six-year-olds, with sound runner-up performances for the Nethercott team.

Exeter Racecourse sponsors the intermediate race in which It Has To Be from the Henderson team is one to note, after his six length win at Larkhill last month.

Every Break Wave for the Claire Hitch yard could be another in the mix having his debut run this season after three wins last year.

Ford Simey Solicitors sponsor the novice riders race in which Bryan Carver on Chosen Lucky, Millie Wonnacott on Heaney and Jack Veasey on The Dapper Fox could be trying to fend off outside raiders such as William Money from the David Brace team, along with Robin de Boss from Jo Hepbourn’s yard among the strong 17 entries.

The restricted race is sponsored by Harris Timber of Exeter.

This race could go the way of another Ed Walker inmate with Wind Tor, who should be among the favourites.

The mare Eastern Calm is another to note with the booking of jockey Christopher Barber, having won her maiden race here. Finally up is the open maiden race for seven-year-olds and upwards.

Those catching the eye are Badbury Rings runner-up Varene De Vauzelle, and Barbury runner-up Snow Puma; this race is kindly sponsored by Cottam Horse Shoes.

This track offers a fantastic family picnic spot for country loving folk, offering a great view of the course which attracts plenty of runners, together with bar, hot and cold refreshments, bookies and many trade stands.

The course is located at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1RJ.

Entrance to the course is £10 per person to a maximum of £30 per car, pedestrians £10 and children under 16 are free. Dogs on leads welcome.

Check out the website at www.pointingdc.co.uk or on Facebook for all the latest course, entries and weather info.