THE Heythrop Hunt point-to-point meetings at Cocklebarrow near Aldsworth have quickly established themselves as one of the most popular meetings of the amateur racing season, writes Jake Exelby.

The first of two fixtures this season – the other is on April 2 – has been well supported with 120 horses entered in the six races on Sunday.

Meeting secretary Nessie Chanter said: “I’m pleased with both the quantity and quality of the entries.

It's great that multiple winners like Dabinett Moon, Lough Inch, Rosie’s Peacock and Start Royal could be taking part.”

Centrepiece of the meeting is the Harrison, James & Hardie-sponsored Lord Ashton of Hyde’s Cup Men's Open Race – the first of 2017’s four point-to-point “classics”.

It looks as competitive as ever this year with 18 entries.

Pembrokeshire raider Rosie's Peacock has won a remarkable 35 races, although he is 14 now and often needs his first run of the season.

That's not a problem for Green Winter, a proven stayer who ran eye-catchingly at Larkhill.

Buscot-based James Henderson won the race in 2015 with Say No, but is more likely to rely on Thanks For Coming this time, saying: “He’s really well. Last season, he won and was second twice but wasn’t consistent, although I think we’ve found the key to him now.”

New sponsors Skinner’s stage the third of their 20 qualifiers in their Ladies' Open series, which culminates in a final at Stratford on June 9.

It has attracted a high quality entry of 18, including pointing stalwarts Start Royal (24 wins), Dabinett Moon (ten wins) and former Hennessy Gold Cup winner Carruthers.

Leading trainer Alan Hill is putting blinkers on his 13-year-old Start Royal for the first time in his long career.

“I rode him in them this morning,” Alan told me from his Aston Rowant yard, “and it was the nicest ride I’d ever had on him."

The closing contest is the quaintly (and tongue-twistingly) named Wurzel High Speed Broadband PPORA Club Members Race for Novice Riders.

Twenty nine have been entered, including Tommy Morgan’s speedster Lough Inch. The 10-year old has won 13 of his 17 starts in points, six around Cottenham.

However, he faces stiff competition from the likes of Francesca Nimmo’s Current Exchange, decent National Hunt recruits Kashmir Peak and Silver Roque, and dual hunter chase winner Delta Borget.

But most interest here from the general public is likely to be in Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton – still to ride her first winner in points – if she takes the mount on her Vesperal Dream, who ran a good race when second to Lough Inch at Cottenham recently.

Trainer Alan Hill said: “We meet Lough Inch on the same terms, but the trip will suit. He’d like good ground or better.”

The Tanners Solicitors Intermediate Race also looks extremely competitive with 25 entries.

Fred Hutsby will run Kristian Gray. “I didn’t think he was right last year,” said Hutsby. “He ran one good race, and was then below par, before running well again on his last start.

"He looks well and is jumping well – we’ve done a lot of work on that.”

The best pointing form in the opening Lycetts Insurance six-year-olds and over Open Maiden Race belongs to Hutsby’s Overly Cautious.

“He came to us this time last year and we ran him twice – the first one was a learning curve but he ran well second time," said Hutsby.

"I quite like him – he’s definitely improved since last season. I’d be surprised if he’s not in the shake-up.” A fascinating runner is Born To Succeed, who runs in the colours of one of National Hunt's leading owners, Paul Rooney.

"Born To Succeed is ex-Ben Pauling,” said Stow-on-the-Wold trainer Christy Mews.

“Paul has two horses with me – I’m friends with his racing manager Jason Maguire – and I don't think he’s had runners in points before.

"This horse is going well at home, but is quirky and has been off for a long time.”

The six-race card starts at 12 noon. Gates open at 10am. Viewing for spectators is excellent, and a wide variety of hot food and drink will be on sale.

Clerk of the course Nick Phillips said: “The course is in great condition and the long-range forecast is good."

Access is off the A40, signposted to Lodge Park.

Entry is £20 per car and £10 for single occupancy. The first race is at midday.