THE world has changed dramatically since the first Point-to-Point was held at Woodford in 1947 so it says much for the loyalty and fortitude of all concerned that seventy years later this meeting is still being held at the same venue.

Expectations for owners/trainers/riders and the sports supporters have moved with the times, including course management which plays a crucial part of attracting good entries (which if the weather is in your favour) generates plenty of visitors.

There are 14 fixtures scheduled for the Bank Holiday weekend, but Woodford’s total of 152 entries for their seven races has not been exceeded and with 30 in the Restricted and 36 in the Maiden, division of both these races is a distinct possibility.

On recent form the Members Race is at the mercy of Inch Rock as he has a far higher rating than his rivals, and although based in Devon, the horse’s trainer Ed Walker has always supported this meeting. Cesium won this race 12 months ago. He does not race that often and does not meet many rivals when he does, but can gallop and jump and in Geoff Barfoot Saunt has one of the most experienced riders in the Point-to-Point circuit.

Blue Fashion and Nodebateaboutit do not have much recent form to recommend them. The former was based with Nicky Henderson and the latter with Tom George but are now in Sarah Clifford’s care at Frampton on Severn. Their fitness is open to debate but the stable has done well with this type of horse in the past so don’t write them off.

Elusive Classic and Wy Worry carry the hopes of the Peter Ponting yard, while Reg Hopkins Hardy Morning ran well at Paxford recently and is another one for the short list.

The 2-1/2 mile Maiden also throws up something useful but with many of them un-raced this is likely to be a minefield for punters with the market providing the best guide to each horse’s chances.

Slad trainer Tom George’s Dr Wong shaped well on his debut and his third place at Buckfastleigh sets the standard and that previous experience could prove crucial in the closing stages.

Four of the smartest trainers in the Point-to-Point ranks hold entries in this event. Phil Rowley has to choose from Article Fifty, Dramatic Pause or Gadrose, the Weston stable has Pougne Helio, Jack Barber is lining up Robin Waters, Shoreline or Worthy Farm, while Tom Lacey has an enviable record in this type of contest and that will ensure Smoke Man is well supported.

All four trainers use the sport as a proving ground for their young horses and judging by the high purchase prices for some of the contenders (of which Worthy Farm is the highest) this winning pot is peanuts compared to what connections hope they will achieve in the future.

Arthurs Secret is almost unbeatable between the flags but it will be interesting to see how he negotiates the notoriously sharp bend at the end of the first circuit in the Ladies Open. If he gets round that safely it is going to take a good one to get him off the bridle. Aikideau looks the only one capable of doing so although Man from Seville might cause an upset.

The Mens Open could see the reappearance of Grandturgeon, although connections have a useful second string in Hazel Hill which gives the stable a strong hand.

The Rucker’s have In The Hold or Wild Bill and both will give a good account of themselves, while Welsh trainer Micky Bowen’s stable is on fire at the moment with everything he runs winning and that has to bring Sir Du Bearn, Tony Star or Universal Soldier into calculations.

Sacre Toi is an interesting runner. He was third in this race 12 months ago and finished a fast finishing second with David Redvers in the saddle at Bitterley. Redvers (who is well known in the bloodstock world and owns Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire) has returned to race riding after a gap of 20 years – victory for him would produce a story worth telling.

The 3-mile Maiden includes several horses engaged in the shorter Maiden earlier in the day. These include Doctor Wong, Pougne Helio, Robin Waters and Worthy Farm and connections are bound to run them in the race they think they have the strongest chance.

Festival Dawn was found out by in-experience at Chaddesley recently but with that run under her belt, must figure in the shake up while Wild Ginger has finished runner up on two occasions with a young Jonjo O’Neill in the saddle.

Cereal Killer will receive strong support in the Restricted following his win at Cotley. That was over 2-1/2 miles but the manner of that victory did not indicate he would have any problems staying an extra half mile.

Flying Bandit is well thought of by his connections and won easily against moderate opponents at Andoversford. Freaky Freda has further improvement in her, while Keen Eye made a promising comeback after a long absence at the Worcestershire meeting. Lilly Pinchin proved that aggressive tactics pay benefits when Knockaderry Flyer won at Mollington so they will not go unsupported.

The Conditions Race looks a lottery because you could run the race five times and get five different results, but having said that Royal Riviera stands a good chance if he can reproduce his Maisemore form. Ned the Post’s best form seems to be behind him, while Gontdevon, Provincial Pride and The Hollinwell may not have the pace at the finish. Merlins Wish was pulled up on his return to the Point-to-Point field but if his enthusiasm can be rekindled he could cause an upset.