FORMER Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton is set to be the star attraction at Sunday’s point-to-point meeting in Milborne St Andrew.

The 35-year-old, a Beijing 2008 and London 2012 gold medallist, is building towards a ride in the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Pendleton made her racing debut last August having retired from cycling after the last Olympics.

She finished second in her first race, the Betfair Novice Flat Amateur Riders’ Handicap at Ripon.

At Milborne St Andrew, the nine-time world champion on two wheels is set to go in the high-quality AGA-sponsored Ladies’ Open race on board Pacha Du Polder.

The gelding, placed in the Aintree Foxhunters and the Champion Hunter Chase at Stratford, will be having his first race in a point-to-point.

Now trained by Chloe Roddick for owner Andy Stewart, his class should be too good for his rivals.

These are headed by the Jack Barber duo of Aikideau and Queen’s Bay, who is unbeaten in her two point-to-point races, Join Together, who has run well in his two races this season, the very consistent Minella Fifty trained by Claire Hitch, and Sharp Suit trained by Alan Hill. Meanwhile, the Men’s Open, sponsored by W&S Recycling, may feature the return of Chapoturgeon, who fell on his return to racing this season at Larkhill.

The previous course winner showed he still retained his ability when easily winning on his only appearance at Kingston St Mary in 2015.

Join Together is also entered in this race and if he bypasses the Ladies’ race he may trouble Chapoturgeon, but more danger may come from Warne, unbeaten in his four point-to point races and winner of seven races under Rules.

David Maxwell can choose from No Loose Change and Out Now, and Divine Intavention, likely to be ridden by Mark Wall, also comes into the mix in a fascinating race.

Racing starts at noon on Sunday with the first division of the Young Horse Maiden over 2m4f, sponsored by Symonds and Sampson.

There is little form to go by, with Big Bang De Loire posting a respectable fourth at Larkhill being the obvious choice, with Woodfleet an alternative option.

Bill And Barn from Jack Barber’s stable and Bells On Sunday from Sophie Lacey’s yard are both newcomers but it wouldn’t be a surprise if one of these could come out on top.

The second division again poses dilemmas for punters, with Brice Canyon and Sing To Me likely to improve on their debuts.

Of the newcomers, Cirano De Sivola, trained by Sophie Lacey, Richard Bandey’s Irish Legionnaire, and The Oppidan, trained by Claire Hart, should be considered, but a chance is taken with Tommo, trained by Bill Smith.

The Hunt race could fall to Turtle Boys if he reappears after finishing third at Larkhill.

George Hiscock also may be represented by Tin Pot Man, winner of four races under rules for Evan Williams but not seen since 2014.

Minella Selfie has run in two Maiden races this season and could the one to chase home Turtle Boys.

The Open Maiden, sponsored by Branksome Park Care Centre, has received a large entry of 30 horses and ones to consider are The Crumpet Mine, Master Baker and Looking Glass.

Tom Lacey has entered the unraced Pinnacle Peter, while Tom Malone has In The Tub, placed in six point-to-point races in Ireland.

The Restricted features a number of very promising individuals among the 24 entries.

Sea Current, Zephyr, Creative Inerta, Wotzizname and Mystery Edition are all potential winners, but the selection is Innocent Girl who jumped superbly at Barbury Castle in December.

The final race, the Club Members for Novice Riders sponsored by Smith and Williamson, has received an entry of 19.

Imperial Circus, second at Black Forest Lodge when ridden by Nick Lawton, boasts the best form and may prove difficult to beat.

Triangular, winner of four chases, is an interesting recruit to point-to-point racing, as is Ashes House and Gift Of Dgab.

The course at Milborne St Andrew is just off the A354 midway between Blandford and Dorchester.

Admission to either of the two car parks is £20 or £25 per car with a reduction for single occupants, while it is £5 for pedestrians.