Racing: Hunter Chase pointers

The increasingly competitive point-to-point circuit is having a bigger impact on jump racing under rules than ever. This new weekly column aims to pinpoint future hunter chase winners and horses who, like Teeton Mill, the Gold Cup favourite, may go on to even better things.

COTTENHAM (10 Jan)

The Auctioneer clocked a smart time when winning the Members. Leading at the third fence, he was left clear when Dream Packet - who won at Higham subsequently - fell four out and pulled away to score by 30 lengths from Native Venture.

Larry's Lord put in an impressive performance to win the Ladies Open by 15 lengths. Always prominent, he led at the sixth-last fence and forged clear from three out to beat Roberty Lea easily.

LARKHILL (16 Jan)

Stag Fight, coming back from a lay-off, trotted up by a distance in the Mens Open. Leading five out, he coasted home from As Du Trefle in a decent time.

Chasing The Bride clocked the fastest time of the day in the Confined. Held up, he stayed on well from five out and quickened to lead at the last and go on to score by four lengths from Mister One.

HIGHAM (16 Jan)

Orchestral Suite jumped really well en route to victory by a distance in the Mens Open. Leading at halfway, he was clear five out and won in a canter from Lucas Court.

Pharare was also impressive in the Ladies Open. Always disputing the lead, he sprinted clear from the second last for an easy 10-length success over Yellow Spring.

TWESELDOWN (17 Jan)

Castle Mane jumped and galloped his rivals into submission in the Mens Open. Making all, he went clear five out and coasted home to win by a distance in easily the fastest time of the day. He looks certain to pick up a hunter chase.

Ian Davies