THE new point-to-point season starts on January 3 and this campaign could be one of the most dramatic yet.

The ban on hunting could have implications for point-to-pointing during 2006 and the future may provide new and challenging opportunities, but will the sport ever be the same again?

Here, the Gazette assesses the chances of two of the major stables in the region.

Dick Baimbridge (Berkeley): Most of last year's inmates remain at the yard with the exception of William Lionheart, who has followed owner Nick Cook onto pastures new. Father Tom won four races in 2004 and is likely to have his potential fully tested as he steps up in class.

Ted and Teme Willow generally win a couple of races a season and there have not been any signs of degradation in their performances so it will be surprising if the trainer cannot find a couple of winning opportunities for them both.

Titus Bramble, April Treasure and Martin Ossie (a certain Maiden winner according to the form book) have been joined by Ascot Sales purchase Rundetto and No Thoughts, who ran three times in Ireland as a four-year-old.

Alison Dare (Berkeley): The former champion rider did well to train two winners in her debut season. Machalini may find it more difficult to win now that owner Andrew Morley is out of Novice company, but a second success in the Beaufort Members should be possible unless the opposition is out of the ordinary.

Which Moscow was pulled up in two points for Alison Handel last year but can only get better, while Knighton Star and Just Champ, who staked himself when loose at Stone Easton, still have plenty to prove. Babs Wheal provided Alison with one of her wins last year and she will be joined this year by her unnamed full brother.

Fixtures for 2005: Harkaway Club, Chaddesley Corbett, February 13; Duke of Beaufort, Didmarton, March 5; Cotswold, Andoversford, March 13; North Cotswold, Paxford, March 28; Croome and WW, Upton-upon-Severn, March 29; Ledbury, Maisemore Park, April 3; Cotswold Vale, Andoversford, April 10; Worcestershire, Chaddesley Corbett, April 16; Berkeley, Woodford, April 23; North Ledbury, Maisemore Park, May 2; Wheatland, Chaddesley Corbett, May 8; Clifton on Teme, Upper Sapey, May 21; Albrighton Woodland, Chaddesley Corbett, May 30.

For further information on point-to-point racing in the region log on to www.pointingwm.co.uk.