SIX races have been scheduled for the South Durham Hunt Farmers Club point-to-point at Howe Hills, Mordon on Saturday.

Racing starts at noon with the four, five, six and seven year old maiden over the shorter distance of 2m4f.

Themanfrommurroe came third on his debut at Alnwick at the beginning of the season but didn’t have the chance to show his promise at Sheriff Hutton when unseating his rider at the fifth. He can make amends here but the biggest threat could come from one of the debutants, particularly from the Easterby yard or Tracey Corrigan’s Royal Present who filled second place on his only completion and this distance should suit.

The second race is a three mile Maiden race and The Coniston Hotel Racing Club’s Billy Two Tongues looked every inch the winner before falling at the last at Sheriff Hutton. He can make amends here, but Moor Flora has run consistently well over the last two seasons and the eightyear- old and is sure pick up a race at this level before the end of the season.

A trend that has followed through from 2013 is the low number of entries in Restricted races, however Bramble Vodka can follow up on his debut win at Alnwick in December and make the step up to the next grade.

The Mens Open looks full of quality with several new recruits joining the field from the rules scene.

Lynne Ward has taken on two horses formerly trained by Mickey Hammond in Chernik and Dawn Ride, and the latter who has won five times over fences will make his presence felt.

The Bannister’s Borero missed last season but was the model of consistency in 2012 and provided fitness isn’t an issue he will give a bold show.

Maria Myco’s Racing Ace is also likely to be in the mix.

The Ladies Open is another strong renewal and it could be between two local horses in Oaklands Robbie, second at Sheriff Hutton this season and Oaklands Bobby who won at this course last season, although it is likely that only one of them will run.

Dead Ringa progressed well last season and French Seventyfive is another who took very well to pointing, winning on his only two starts. This race is likely to go the way of the highly-rated State Benefit for the Rucker family.

Racing finishes with the Club Members Conditions race for horses that have never won a race under the rules of any recognised turf authority.

Only four entries have been received and Chino Valdes can capitalise on his recent third at Sheriff Hutton to take this.

Admission is £10 per adult with under-16s free.

Sponsors include host, John Wade, Wragg Seafood and Collins Seafood and Nortonthorpe Industrial.

Postcode: TS21 2HG