PAXFORD is becoming one of the most popular courses in the area, a fact emphasised by Robert Symonds, the North Cotswold Point-to-Point secretary who has received a record entry of 202 for Monday's fixture.

Every effort has been made to ensure the Cotswolds course is in top-class condition and the going is currently reported as good.

The meeting always attracts large crowds, but it has the capacity to cope with this potential problem due to the natural grandstand that overlooks the finish.

There is also a full range of trade stands including entertainment for the young, as well as rail parking for the disabled.

Thirteen horses have been entered for the Members, including Celtic Song and Not Yet Decent (Sally Walker - Laverton), Coffee Morning (Kim Smyly - Stanton), Gay Baratineur (Katie Baimbridge - Bredon Hill), Jolly Jake (Emma Baker - Naunton), L'Idefix and View Hollo (Dolly Maude - Snowshill).

Useful

Forest Ivory had useful form under Rules but is getting long in the tooth so Coffee Morning should provide Smyly with yet another winning opportunity.

Anna De Lisle Wells and Mighty Montefalco have beaten Titus Bramble and Clare Allen on two occasions already this season.

They could renew rivalry in the Ladies Open although both riders will have to pass the doctor after falls at Garnons last weekend. Their absence could leave the way open for Lava who provided Clare Hunt with her first winner two weeks ago.

Dunston Bill will be difficult to beat in the Mens Open. The 11-year-old has won his last three races under his Taddington-based rider Alex Puddy.

Picket Piece ran well at Andoversford while Well Ted has a good record over this course and he could be the one to lower Dunston Bills colours.

Dolly Maude qualifies her horses with the North Cotswold and the Snowshill trainer sent out Manor Down to land a Mollington Maiden for Zara Phillips.

That horse holds an engagement in the Restricted where he could come up against Arctic Cherry, Granoski Gala, Landing Rights and Springbrook Girl.

There are 51 entries for the five, six and seven-year-old Maiden but the winner should come from the following quintet of horses.

Edie McCredie (Helen Needham), Foxwitchen (Nicky Sheppard), Willy the Kid (Smyly) and London by Night (Nicky Sheppard) all have the benefit of being based with top-class trainers, while the well bred Lord Fitzroy has to be respected if he makes the journey up from the West Country.

l ENTHUSIASTS will converge on Upton-upon-Severn the following afternoon when the Croome and West Warwickshire stage their meeting at this popular venue on the banks of the River Severn.