03 March 2009 Preview: Blackmore and Sparkford Vale - Charlton Horethorne
RIMPTON BOY: may aim for a 30th career success in the Ladies Open
THE Blackmore & Sparkford Vale have received a first-class 144-strong entry for Sunday's meeting at Charlton Horethorne on the Dorset/Somerset border (first race 12:30 pm). In addition to top-class racing, the B&SV hounds will parade after the third race and two Pony races - qualifiers for the Wessex Series Final - take place at the end of the meeting.
The Ladies' Open has attracted a high-class entry of 22, including last year's winner Rimpton Boy, a standing dish at Charlton Horethorne - he has been entered here for the last eight years - in pursuit of his 30th career success. Course winner Goblet Of Fire and stable companion Perouse are two to consider, although Kiama disappointed when pulling up at Taunton. Punters looking for in-form horses should note Midnight Queen and Silver Monarch, who both put up first-class performances at Badbury Rings. The Charlton Horethorne course tests stamina and Petit Lord must be noted if William and Angela Rucker make the journey from Worcestershire. Double Honour will also relish the Charlton Horethorne test and may be able to take advantage of returning fresh from a year's absence.
The 21 entries for the Men's Open include Thisthatandtother, unbeaten in three outings under owner Jack Barber this season, as well as Knighton Combe and Tyneham, first and second home in the opener at the Countryside Alliance meeting at Badbury Rings. Fellow entrants Braeroy and Long Night fit the stamina criteria, along with South East-based Honourable Spider, a prolific winner in the past but below par to date this season. Thisthatandtother will be the selection if facing the starter; in his absence, Braeroy may continue his progression through the ranks.
The opening Hunt race entry could grace any Point-to-Point card. Last year's winner Goblet Of Fire and Perouse hold entries along with Beadnell Bay, winner in 2003 and 2004 and appearing on the B&SV racecard for the seventh consecutive year. Meanus Dandy coufld represent the "Denman" combination of Paul Barber and Harry Findlay. The two suggestions are Blu Teen, who kept tabs on Kingscliff until falling four out at Milborne, and Coombe Hill, who got first run on his field and kept up the gallop at Ottery St Mary on Saturday.
The Restricted has attracted 29 entries, but Aiteen Thirtythree created a tremendous impression at Larkhill and will be the selection. Cannington Brook stayed on strongly to win over 2½ miles at Barbury Castle and looks likeliest to provide opposition.
Ashclyst and Persian Warrior, second and third to Benarchat at Milborne St Andrew, look to have good chances in the 2½ mile Maiden. Shacklesborough just failed to cope with Newbay Bob on the same card at Milborne St Andrew and may be able to gain compensation in the 3 mile event.
Access to the course is off the B3145 midway between Sherborne and Wincanton. First race: 12.30 pm. The entrance fee is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant; £5 for pedestrians.
