THE race to become the West Midlands leading male rider went to the wire last year and the 2004 season has provided a carbon copy to that scenario.

The matter will be resolved at Bank Holiday Monday's Albrighton Woodland meeting at Chaddesley Corbett.

With dry weather predicted this week, watering will take place on a regular basis prior to the meeting and should ensure a good turn out from the 171 entries.

Edward Walker holds a narrow lead over Julian Pritchard with Tim Stephenson in third place.

Richard Burton trails this year's champion-elect Ashley Farrant in the race for the national title so he will be making a concerted effort to reduce the deficit at this meeting.

The first race starts at 2pm.