THE local point-to-point season moves into full swing on Saturday when the Harkaway Club hold their fixture at Chaddesley Corbet with the first race from 11.30am.

Lower Broadheath trainer Michael Hammond is approaching the season full of optimism, confirming: "I have a nice bunch of horses and am hopeful for the season."

One from his yard that many are looking forward to seeing out again is Royal Gunner who scored in a maiden race at the Chaddesley Corbett track last season.

Others to keep an eye out for are Old Ginger, an ex-inmate of Peter Scudamore's yard, Youwouldhavethat and WeAllwayswillbeone.

Whilst Hammond has hung up his riding boots, Tim Stephenson will be combining riding and training from his Birtsmorton base having nine horses to race, including ex-Jonjo O'Neill-trained KingsCourt Lad.

Stephenson is also hopeful there is a race to be found for Arctic Sky, who has previous wins in a bumper, hurdles and a chase to his name.

"Kates Ellie could also surprise this season as she is much stronger," confirms Stephenson of another in his yard, while his New Lodge Express could also pop up to surprise when least expected.

The 2004 Lady Dudley Cup winner Caught At Dawn, trained at Hindlip by Martin Weston, is reported to be back to his full powers and will be aimed at the Cheltenham and Aintree Foxhunters, although taking in some local Opens on the way. The yard's Maiden Gonna Do is also capable of picking up a race after displaying form last season at Garnons.

Shobden trainer Steve Flook has already struck this season with the double win of Abbey Days at Barbury Castle and Thorpe Lodge and also with potentially very useful Guignol du Cochet. The latter will also have the Aintree Foxhunters as his seasonal aim, probably to be ridden by Adrian Wintle.

Wintle will be vying for rides with ex-champion Julian Pritchard aboard horses trained by Hanley Swan trainer Andy Hobbs, who has also struck an early rich vein of form.

Pritchard scored aboard Premium First at the recent Barbury castle meeting, while Hobbs also saddled St Reverien to win and has smart prospects in Royal Jake and Scarface who could both pay to follow.

The prolific winner Upton Adventure, trained by Nicky Sheppard at Eastnor for owner Peter Corbett, will be looking to extend her winning total of 25 in the hands of regular pilot Emma James. Another that will be taking her on in Ladies races and one to follow will be Watchyourback trained by Dick Baimbridge.

Point to Point: February 11 -- Harkaway Club at Chaddesley Corbett; February 18 -- North Hereford at Whitwick Manor; March 4 --- Duke of Beaufort at Didmarton; March 5 -- Ross Harriers at Garnons; March 11 -- Brecon & Talybont at Llanfrynach; March 12 -- Cotswold at Andoversford; March 19 -- South Hereford at Garnons; April 1 -- Worcestershire (Lady Dudley Cup meeting) at Chaddesley Corbett; April 2 -- Ledbury at Maisemore Park; April 8 -- Monmouthshire at Llanvapley; April 9 -- Cotswold Vale at Andoversford; April 15 --- Ludlow at Bitterley; April 17 -- North Cotswold at Paxford; April 18 -- Croome & West Warks at Upton on Severn; April 22 -- Berkeley at Woodford; United Pack at Brampton Bryan; April 29 -- Radnor &West Hereford (Day 1) at Cold Harbour; April 30 -- Radnor &West Hereford (Day 2) at Cold Harbour; May 1 -- North Ledbury at Maisemore Park; May 7 -- Wheatland at Chaddesley Corbett; May 13 -- Golden Valley at Bredwardine; May 21 -- Clifton on Teme at Upper Sapey; May 29 -- Albrighton Woodland at Chaddesley.