24 March 2011 Preview: Mendip Farmers - Ston Easton
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
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DUALLA LORD: could have his first run in Open company
photo: Tim Holt
Miss Midnight, Ask Again and Hoo La Baloo, who fought out a cracking finish to the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Ladies Open, can renew rivalry at the Mendip Farmers fixture on Sunday.
The 14 Entries also include the front running Ha Ho Magregor, Dr Cerullo, who disappointed at Kingston St Mary and Hoo La Baloo's stable companion Elusive Dream, who was moving into contention when falling at Badbury Rings.
Ask Again will be favoured by the final climb, and Hoo La Baloo will prefer going right-handed, but Miss Midnight won fair and square at Charlton Horethorne and can follow up.
Chipley Park winner Ned The Post couldn't quite get on terms with Sheknowsyouknow at Didmarton, but has chances in the Mens Open. Marianne Barber could be represented by Gungadu or the impressive Dualla Lord, and her chosen runner will get the vote.
Bold Chief, a debut winner at Charlton Horethorne last season but runner-up in his three outings since, can resume winning ways in the Restricted. Badbury Rings runner-up John Daniell, the unbeaten Russian Rain and Charlton Horethorne winner Blazing Whale look the three to fight out the minor placings.
Heather Sheppard's The Slug put up a fine performance at the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale and can get the better of Own Line and Dee Valley Boy in the Hunt race.
Two Maiden events complete the card. Mendip Express weakened quickly when third at Larkhill in early January but can make amends in the 2m4f contest. Denise's Dip was a good second at Bratton Down in May and can give punters a sporting run for their money in the three mile event.
Between races there will be a hound parade and a host of tradestands to visit. Two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Series Final, conclude racing. The course lies off the A37, 5 miles north of Shepton Mallet and 13 miles south of Bath and Bristol. First race: 12:30 pm. Admission is £10 per car and £5 for every adult in car.
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