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BARNEYS MATE: on course for a hat-trick
photo: Tim Holt

Elusive Dream, who has a formidable record under Rules, can make a winning first Point-to-Point appearance for the Chloe Roddick stable in the Ladies Open at Badbury Rings on Sunday.

The winner of seven races on the flat for the Cheveley Park Stud and fifth in the 34-runner 2005 Cesarewitch Handicap, Elusive Dream developed into a high-class staying hurdler to win five races for the Paul Nicholls stable, including one at the 2008 Aintree Festival.

Possible opposition includes stable companion Eight Palms and Master John, who made a pleasing reappearance for John Burbidge and Polly Gundry at Milborne St Andrew. Dr Cerullo - another from the Polly Gundry/Ed Walker yard - also catches the eye, but course specialist Silver Monarch, who would be favoured by a fast surface, could be Elusive Dream's strongest challenger.

Thisthatandtother found the going too testing at rain soaked Milborne St Andrew a fortnight ago, but can return to winning ways in the Mens Open. Larkhill winner Jayne's Crusader, who put up a fine performance in Wincanton's Stewart Tory Memorial Hunter Chase, dual 2010 winner Commander Vic and Touch Of Flame, who relishes the Dorset venue, are contenders. The fascinating entry is the Alycia Collins-trained The Mick Weston, absent since running at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival but previously a high-class prospect when winning three races for Richard Phillips. Kiama looked to be moving into contention at one stage at Wincanton and this prolific mare may challenge Thisthatandtother.

My Minds Maid, a winner at the 2010 meeting, is among the 23 Entries for the Conditions race. Touch Of Flame must be respected if connections take this option, together with Annie Connell's South Midlands raider Exceptionnel and the Pearns' course winner Deloughtane, who battled home at Ideford Arch. Karshaan made a pleasing reappearance at Chipley Park in January and gets the vote.

The 19 Entries for the Novice Riders contest include Nycteos, a game recent Barbury Castle winner for Susannah Andrew, and Gaelic Flight, who represents Camilla Scott's in-form yard. Takeroc should be suited to Badbury Rings, but his stable companion Barneys Mate has impressed in his two outings this season and is an automatic selection for his hat-trick.

The Staddons' Ideford Arch winner Isitanywonder, course winner John Daniell and easy Black Forest Lodge winner Alysia's Flame are three suggestions for the Restricted contest. Brook Native led until close home at Milborne and would be a deserving winner of the closing 37-Entry Open Maiden.

The course lies between Wimborne and Blandford, 4 miles NW of Wimborne on the B3082. First race: 12.00 noon.

Admission is to either of two car parks at £25 or £15 per car and its occupants. Gates open at 9.00am for a variety of activities during the morning, including terrier racing, a Children's Beagle Meet and an Apprentice Silent Auction. The popular Inter-Hunt Camel races featuring Masters and personalities from local Hunts will take place after the last race.

To hear all updates supplied throughout the week and on the morning of the meeting, call the Talking Point news line on 09068 44 60 61*.

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