THE final point-to-point classic of the season takes place at Chaddesley Corbett from 2pm on Saturday afternoon where 26 horses have been entered for the prestigious Lady Dudley Cup - a race that traces its history back to 1897.

This year's renewal has attracted a quality field including the 2007 winner Irilut. He was due to run in the Grimthorpe Cup up in Yorkshire a few weeks ago but was prevented from making the journey due to snow.

That may have been a blessing in disguise and the Warwickshire-trained gelding should go close in this year's contest. Cannon Bridge has not been seen out recently and that has to be a major disadvantage against this opposition.

Carthago, who is trained near the course by Theresa Morris, will need to make considerable improvement to take a hand in the finish.

Berkeley-trainer Julie Houldey can do little wrong this season so the selection from Bowdens Lane, Cottage River and Why Connie will give her supporters a good run for their money.

Fergal O'Brien is another trainer who has his horses in form, but Gentle Rivage is getting a little long in the tooth, while Fergals Find may just have that touch of class to win the race.

The Dudley Cup is run over three miles and two furlongs, which often exposes stamina deficiencies, but there should be no such fears for Gaelsbob, who had little more than a pipe opener at Maisemore last week.

Marilyn Scudamore won the popular race with Greenwich back in 2002 and has a worthy representative in Worship the Stars but, despite his impressive strike rate, it would be a major surprise if he was to land the spoils.

Meanwhile, Noakarad de Verzee, Reflected Glory, Un Jour a Vassy and Off Broadway also catch the eye and the chances of Coolefind and The Hookie Bookie also have to be respected if they take part in the race.

Seventeen horses have been entered for the Members race and it is a good bet that the winner will carry the familiar royal blue and cerise hoop colours that have been made famous in the past by Major Harold Rushton and his daughter Pat Tollitt from Himbleton.

These colours are now familiar features on the racecourse due to the successful exploits of Tollitt's daughters, Angela Rucker, Christine Banks and Katherine Smith Maxwell.

Infact, horses associated with the family make up almost half of the runners in the contest.

Sweet Citizen finally won a race this side of the Irish Sea after several abortive attempts and success for the Diana Williams Enville-trained gelding would be well received by the locals.

With Blue Business, Honest Endevour and Pirate Flagship entered for the Ladies' Open, Rucker appears to hold the key to this event, although Goblet of Fire and Oh So are big dangers.

Admission to the Chaddesley meeting is £10.