O'Brien and Smyly look good for more success (From Tewkesbury Admag)

O'Brien and Smyly look good for more success

THIS year's Cotswold Point-to-Point at Andoversford on Sunday has a new date and although racing will inevitably be overshadowed by proceedings at Cheltenham later in the week, there has been a positive response from owners with 178 entries for the six-race card.

Jelly O'Brien (Naunton) and Kim Smyly (Stanton) have their horses in good form this year and barely a week goes by without one of them training a winner, and this meeting is unlikely to be the exception.

O'Brien has two entries in the Members. Gregory Peckory won at the Beaufort seven days ago while Damp Course has yet to find his form in this company. Act in Time (Harriet Houghton - Slad) finished just in front of Parahandy in last years race, and is obviously in top form having won at Larkhill recently, but Kim Smyly's stable is in the middle of a purple patch so Parahandy gets the nod on this occasion.

Martin Ossie and Katarino are unlikely to turn out for the Confined after winning at Didmarton last week and that provides a more open look to this contest. The Campdonian holds Finders Keep on last year's running, while the chances of Be My Dream have to be respected after his recent Whitwick win. Double Ange jumped brilliantly at Fakenham recently and that attribute will stand him in good stead over this course.

Bally Blue has won his last two races and will start a warm favourite for the Ladies if making the journey up from Devon, while others to note include Coole Venture, Heracles, Prince of Saints, Stretching, Stromness and Templebreedy. Mighty Montefalco impressed on his debut at Tweseldown but Anna de Lisle Wells was sidelined after the North Hereford meeting, which has to be a cause for concern.

There are 19 entries for the Men's Open, but the field can be narrowed down to just three. Teme Willow has struggled with the lighter weights in Ladies Open, but could be a different kettle of fish in this contest, as he jumps well, if a little right handed!

Dunston Bill (Kim Smyly) has done well for his novice rider Alex Puddy although this course is trickier than some so Puddy will need to keep his wits about him. Lough Ennel provided Rhys Jenkins with his first winner for a few years when this combination were successful at the Curre recently and he might just have the legs of his rivals at the finish.

Who's Eddie, Misty Ramble, Lord Kilpatrick and Court Adjourn look the horses to beat in the Intermediate, while the Maiden with 63 entries must surely be divided on the day. The Footsy is trained on the hills above Ron Bunns farm at Castlemorton and should not be inconvenienced by the undulations on this course.

With A Dash ran well at Kingston Blount and with the benefit of that race under his belt has to be in with a chance in this contest.

First race is at 1pm.