John Smith’s Hurdle (3.00pm), which has attracted an entry of 13. Grade One winner Lough Derg may make his seasonal reappearance for David Pipe in the race, while Pettifour could bid to make an impact against some experienced opposition following his success in the Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has engaged Grade Two Aintree novice hurdle scorer Elusive Dream and 2007 Grade One Triumph Hurdle third Mobaasher, while fellow West Country trainer Philip Hobbs could be represented by high-class flat performer Liberate. The 2006 winner Redemption could return to the scene of his greatest triumph and he may oppose the Nicky Richards-trained Faasel, who found only Black Jack Ketchum too good in this race last year.

The 40,000 Listed bet365 Best Odds Guaranteed Mares’ Hurdle Race (2.20pm) has attracted an entry of 15, including the Nicky Henderson-trained pair of Grade Two scorer Chomba Womba and last year’s Grade Three Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase runner-up My Petra. Irish trainer Jessica Harrington may send over dual hurdle winner Cabin Point, while the Alan Swinbank-trained Programme Girl could bid for a fifth consecutive victory following a brace of wins at both Hexham and Sedgefield. Other notable entries include the Neil King-trained pair of Seraaphim and Zahra’s Place, who chased home subsequent Grade Two winner Whiteoak on her latest start at Ascot in February.

Friday’s quality six-race card includes the 18,000 Listed Weatherbys Bank Wensleydale Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (2.10pm). The extended two-mile race has attracted an entry of 17 horses including the Howard Johnson-trained duo of Indian Groom and Silk Drum, who have both been victorious on their debuts over timber. The Crook-based handler has also engaged the unraced pair of Woody Waller and Don’t Stop Me Now, while Alan King could run impressive recent winner Cosmea. The John Quinn-trained Graze On And On could also return to Wetherby following success here in the Rachel Wright Memorial Juvenile Hurdle on October 15.

Friday’s other Listed race is the 25,000 bet365.com Handicap Chase (2.45pm), for which 18 horses have been entered. Dual Grade Two scorer Moon Over Miami could make his seasonal debut in the extended two and a half mile contest, while Peter Bowen could be represented by Yes Sir, who finished third in the skybet.com ing Spinal Research Bobby Renton Handicap Chase at Wetherby’s opening fixture prior to coming home second in a competitive handicap chase at Cheltenham last time out. Tim Easterby has entered Pay Attention and Edmo Yewkay, while Seamus Mullins could be represented by Strawberry, who took a Listed mares only race at Newbury on her latest appearance. Irish Grade Three scorer Santa’s Son is one of three horses entered by Howard Johnson.

GROUND
The ground at Wetherby is currently good to firm, firm in places (watering).

Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, commented: “We had 10mm of rainfall over the weekend, however, we will continue to water the new areas of the course leading up to the meeting if necessary, and I anticipate the ground being similar to that which we had on our opening fixture, which was widely reported to ride better than it perhaps walked.

“The bet365 Charlie Hall Meeting is the highlight of Wetherby’s racing calendar and with Grade One winners such as Albertas Run, Air Force One and War Of Attrition among the entries for this year’s bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, I am looking forward to seeing some fantastic racing action over the two days.”

Advance tickets are selling very well and can be purchased by calling the course on 01937 582035 or online at www.wetherbyracing.co.uk

Latest prices from bet365 on the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase
War Of Attrition 3/1, State of Play 5/1, Albertas Run 6/1, Turko 6/1, Ollie Magern 6/1, Madison Du Berlais 7/1, Monkerhostin 7/1, Snoopy Loopy 10/1, Air Force One 10/1, Hard Act To Follow 66/1, Top Dressing 66/1, Love That Benny 66/1, Canada Street 66/1
Each-way 1/5 1-2-3