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DERMATOLOGISTE: amongst a strong Entry list for the Restricted
photo: Phil Britt

The popularity of Whitfield is reflected with an enormous Entry of 195 for this weekend's South Midland Area action. The first race is at 11.30am and the Open Maiden has already been split three ways to help ensure the smooth running of the day.

The Entries are not only huge in quantity but the quality is top level and some very smart performers will be competing.

The opening race is the Brightwells/PPA Horse Sponsorship Scheme young horse Maiden, in which the winner receives an optional entry to a premier sale at Cheltenham in 2011.

The success of introducing the AGA-sponsored Ladies final at Cheltenham seems apparent with 28 entered in the Ladies Open here, the latest qualifier. Recent winner Description, who was impressive when beating a high class field at Larkhill earlier this month, heads the field, Delightful Cliché is a consistent sort and will be partnered by either Bridget or Gina Andrews. Heather Kemp's Mulligans Pet is an interesting Entry and looks to be one on the upgrade. Mad Victor, Shernally and Desert Tommy, who won this race last year, are also others to note and if the ground were soft the latter could make a bold bid to repeat his win last season.

The Mens Open has received a Hunter Chase-quality Entry and is sure to be an incredibly exciting race. De Soto, who was previously trained under Rules by Paul Webber and has some very useful form, looks likely to be well supported; Buckingham Bill has some superb form at this track including a second to Chilling Place and is certainly one to be trusted with any each way money. Recent winners in this company are Kornati Kid and Noakarad de Verzee, so those two can be relief upon to be match fit. Coolefind is a horse with top-class form and if returning to his best could prove a tough nut to crack; finally Horsham Lad, a young horse on the up, will be representing the Rucker family.

Another Cheltenham Hunter Chase qualifier here is the Intermediate; Dammam was very impressive in Conditions company at Larkhill and looks the one to beat. It is likely, however, that he will have some hot competition; Robert Waley-Cohen has his duo Ashtown Boy and Rumbavu entered, both of whom are also in the Restricted and it would be no surprise to see either figuring in the finish here as they both look to have plenty of ability.

Others to note include Dawn Display, who won a Restricted here in June, as well as Enigma Variations, who is trained by Jimmy Tarry.

Promising to be just as competitive is the Restricted race; with 35 entered it is possible that it could split on the day. As previously mentioned the presence of one of the Waley-Cohen horses is likely. Herefordshire Trainer Marilyn Scudamore has Abbots Mount entered; having won a 2m4f Maiden impressively in March he is sure to put up a good run. Ian Bostock's mare Dusky Lory, last season's leading mare in the Area, has placed form in this grade and will have the useful advantage of the mare's 7lb allowance. Maiden winners this season stepping up in grade for the first time are Dermatologiste, owned by Lavinia Taylor, Michael and Fiona Kehoe's Ringa Bay and the Alan Hill-trained Viel Gluck.

There will be several tradestands, hot and cold food and a public bar.

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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