THE point to point season begins on Sunday at Charing where the Mid Surrey Farmers Draghounds hold six races, starting at noon.

Horses and riders have been putting the final touches to their training programme as fitness plays such an important part in this highly competitive sport.

Many riders, in addition to fitness, have had to lose a few pounds in order to weigh in at the correct racing weight.

South East area champions, Chris and Jenny Gordon, have been in action in East Anglia where both have ridden winners getting them off to a great start. Phil York and Phil Hall have also been successful north of the Thames so punters should bear them in mind when making their selections.

There is a quality entry from both local horses and from other areas, which should provide some competitive racing.

The Mixed Open has the makings of being a fast and furious race with front-running Struggles Glory returning to pointing after a spell under Rules. A course winner at Charing in previous years, he will go well but Real Value and Sheriffs Friend should be in close attendance. Not to be discounted is Tough Terms who won all his races last season in impressive style and, if back to that form, will take all the beating.

York now runs his own yard near Chobham in Surrey. Having ridden a double on Sunday at the Higham meeting, he could repeat that with Jackie Jarvis in the Intermediate, the horse finishing second in two Open races last season.

Lady Lorelei, second in her final appearance last season at Kingston Blount, should go one better in the Maiden.

Naughty Dandy has acquitted himself well at both Higham meetings and if he is in the line up for the Restricted could well take the honours, although Sound Gossin and Up The Slaney have useful form and look capable of progressing further.

The Members race is always of good quality and I expect to see Simon TindallÕs Seod Rioga give champion rider Chris Gordon an opportunity to open his account in his bid to retain his title in 2003. He could make it a double in the Club rate for the same owner on Lively Lord.