IT seems a safe bet that Kim Smyly’s Stanton yard will win the North Cotswold point-to-point Member's Race at Paxford on Easter Monday, writes Peter Mansell.

With three entries, including two in the ownership of David Maxwell, the stable seems to hold all the aces in this contest.

Anseanachaie Cliste has been disappointing (although competing at a higher grade) since coming over from Ireland but Member's races provide much easier opportunities than he has had so far.

Stable companion Minerfortyniner is much less experienced but has already won a Maiden and Restricted.

Basil Fawlty threw away a winning chance by falling at Didmarton but ran a good race behind Gauvain under novice jockey Mae Daffern at Hereford.

The George Pragnell Ladies Open is the West Midland Area feature race and this has attracted Alan Hill’s Cheltenham winner Sharp Suit.

Gauvain won at Hereford and must come into calculations based on that performance, while Hey Porter and Sagalyrique always perform well in these contests.

Stratford Stroller ran well in defeat recently and may be the one to give the favourite most to do.

Brackloon High is assured of plenty of support in the Men’s Open, but as he is always putting in his best work at the finish, the opposition will need some breathing space so that his finishing kick is negated.

Devils Boy represents Zara Phillips' Gatcombe stable in the Restricted while stablemate Frankenstorm holds an entry in the Young Horse Maiden. On past evidence both of these horses will struggle.

Twilight Fox and Wy Worry have both shown a decent level of form in Maiden company and they will not lack assistance from Jane Williams and Mark Wall.

It may be worth keeping an eye out for Stow Hill who finished second in Ireland and is trained by meeting secretary Sally Walker’s son Ed.

The Paxford course is near Chipping Campden (GL56 6XS) and the first race is at 1pm.