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ASK AGAIN: could run in the Hunt Members or Ladies Open
photo: Tim Holt

Ask Again, who returned to winning ways at Milborne St Andrew last month, can follow up in the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Ladies Open on Sunday.

The 14-strong entry includes My Way de Solzen, winner of both the World Hurdle and the Arkle Chase at previous Cheltenham Festivals and successful in one of his three Point-to-Points to date, as well as Hoo La Baloo, runner up in Sandown's bet365 Gold Cup last season but soundly beaten by East Anglian course specialist Mid Div And Creep in his only Point-to-Point to date at Horseheath in February. Armenian Boy, a possible representative for last year's winning connections Jackie du Plessis and Jo Buck, Badbury Rings winner Miss Midnight and Silver Monarch, who would prefer a sound surface, are three others to consider. Ask Again gets the vote, with Miss Midnight the suggested danger.

My Way de Solzen and Silver Monarch hold entries for the Mens Open, together with the prolific Thisthatandtother and Racing Post Chase winner Gungadu, runner-up to Southwestern in his only Point-to-Point to date at Buckfastleigh. Three to consider are Hunter Chase winner Sesame Rambler, Walter de Wodeland, who put up a superb front running performance to land the Ladies contest on last year's card and Vintage Class, a two-time winner this season before finishing fifth in the Coronation Cup. Kiama ran a fine race behind Just Amazing and Come What Augustus at Taunton and can deny Gungadu.

2007 and 2010 winner Ask Again and Gungadu are among the Entries for the opening Hunt Members race which has its usual high-class look. Coombe Hill holds an engagement, along with the impressive Dualla Lord and Beadnell Bay, scheduled to make his seventh appearance in the race and ninth at the fixture. Merry Terry impressed at Badbury Rings, albeit in a lower grade, and may chase up Ask Again.

Merry Terry is among the 13 Restricted Entries and gets the vote if taking this option. Dual Larkhill runner-up Bold Chief will be better suited by Charlton Horethorne and looks the danger.

Arosio, Marshal Zhukov and Thank Evans are doubly entered for the 2m4f maiden and the three mile contest and may hold the key to the two events.

The newly renamed Dufosee Trophy, in memory of John, Jane and Jason, will be presented after the last race to the most successful Rider on the day, followed by two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Final in May.

Access to the course is off the B3145 midway between Sherborne and Wincanton. First race: 12.30 pm. Admission is £25 per car and its occupants; £15 driver only.

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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