THE final meeting of 2004 takes place on Saturday, May 15, when the Southdown and Eridge hold their second fixture at Godstone with the first of six races starting at 2pm.

With a most encouraging weather forecast for the week and the course reported to be in good condition there should be some excellent racing.

Entries are good, many coming from outside the area so punters will need to study form closely to find winners.

The first race is the Open Maiden and has 28 entries. Worth a Shot and David Phelan from Hampshire, who started as favourite at the last Aldington meeting finishing some 27 lengths behind the winner No Reward, could go a lot better here.

The Intermediate, among others has Rainbow Ranch and the local horse must have a great chance.

The outstanding horse of the area, Sheriff’s Friend, is entered in both the Ladies’ and the Men’s Opens, so he should be backed in whichever he runs in.

If Sheriff’s Friend goes in the Men’s then Spring Gale from Suffolk should take the Ladies’ from Kincora, now back to his best winning at the last Aldington meeting.

There is also a double entry in both Opens for Cedar Chief, who is currently sharing the lead in the National Young Horse Awards. He has already won the South East area award so it will be interesting to see if he lines up on Saturday.

Lord of the North could round off a great season for owner/rider Nigel Bensted by taking the Restricted, and in the Confined, Tim Underwood, riding his own Mr Pepper, should follow up his win at Peper Harow.

Lively Lord won on this course at the earlier meeting and should repeat that success again taking the Hunt Race.

As this is the last meeting of the season, the Point to Point Supporters’ Club has organised a Party in the Park after racing to which all are invited. Entrance by ticket only the cost of which is £5 per head obtainable in advance from Nick Bowman on 01892 823092.