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LORIKARAD: Hoping to follow up his 2010 Hunt Members race win at the North Ledbury meeting
photo: Phil Britt

Some horses thrive with the sun on their backs, and Tara Gale's form has blossomed recently; so much so, she could attempt her third win in as many weeks in the Members race at Maisemore Park on Monday afternoon.

Robin and Maureen Phillip's mare has employed front-running tactics when gaining victories at Bitterley and Brampton Bryan, and it takes a good horse to peg her back once she gets to the front.

Openditch finished third over course and distance a few weeks ago, and this seems a simpler task; the Wilesmith's Upton-upon-Severn stable is now on a roll having won at Paxford last week.

Lorikarad won this race in 2010, but the Charlotte Jones-trained runner will do well to follow up this year, while Bold Punt could be given a chance on his best form.

Da Hammy could provide the Wilesmiths with another success in the Restricted, but that may depend of the absence of Prof De L'Isle. This one represents Andy Hobbs stable at Hanley Swan. He is a keen supporter of this course so could also run Saint Reverien in the Mens Open, but could come up against the evergreen Strong Weld. Now 14 years of age, he requires fast ground and a flat track to be seen at his best, and looks to have both of those factors in his favour for Monday's contest.

Hobbs has entered Ice Cool Benny in the West Midland Area Club race but this is best left to Johnny Kilawee who showed his appreciation for the conditions at the Worcestershire meeting two weeks ago. He also ran well on this course previous to that meeting, and those are two major points in his favour.

Friendly Natives finished strongly when narrowly beaten at the Ledbury meeting, but can gain compensation in the 2m5f Maiden where Gallant Lad features as one of his possible rivals, who has been knocking at the door all season; perhaps this is the day he gets let in.

A small but select field looks likely to line up for the Ladies Open, which could be fought out by cousins Phine Banks and Alex Dunn. The former has the choice of Virginia Preuil or Stratford Stroller, while Mrs Dunn has Double Mead or Rainbow Tree as potential rides.

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