14 April 2008 South & West Wilts - Larkhill
Man From Highworth: heads the Men's Open entries
The Wessex calendar returns to Larkhill on Saturday for the South & West Wilts Hunt meeting (first race 2.00 pm). Six races are scheduled, with the two Open races holding centre stage.
Coronation Cup winner Man From Highworth heads the Men's Open entries, although John Manners' gelding failed to stay when beaten into third on softer ground at the Avon Vale meeting. The main challengers appear to be Drybrook Bedouin and Swift Wood, who were first and second in the Tedworth Conditions race at Barbury Castle on Grand National day. The fascinating entry is David Cowie's El Troubadour, still unbeaten after defeating subsequent winner Braeroy in the Avon Vale Intermediate. Ground conditions may again dictate the result. On fast ground, Man From Highworth is selected to outspeed his rivals. On a softer surface, Drybrook Bedouin and El Troubadour may fight out the finish.
The Ladies' Open has also attracted a high-class entry. Richard Barber has a strong hand with Army winner Oracle Des Mottes, Reviewer and Spuddler's Dream, who would have preferred softer ground when chasing home Welsh flyer Chesnut Annie at Taunton. Kiama, who has created a tremendous impression for Len and Rose Vickery, Dizzy Future and Fleur de Nikos - though not quite at her best yet this season - are three alternatives. Oracle Des Mottes failed to catch front-runner Quick at Cherrybrook, but is fancied to resume winning ways here.
El Troubadour is among the seven entries for the Hunt race and is the automatic selection if turning out. If absent, General Blackthorn, Lile Na Casca and Red Native may be the first three home.
The Open Maiden has attracted 27 entries and looks tricky. More The Merrier - runner-up in his four outings to date - and Ston Easton runner-up Max's Choice are the two suggestions.
Red Native is among the 18 entries for the PPORA Novice Riders race. Beadnell Bay won a similar event at Hackwood Park and has chances, along with Diamond Monroe and Bucket Awl, unbeaten in three outings this season for Jenny Carr. Lord Of The Run posted a fast time at Ston Easton before being touched off at Upcott Cross on Saturday, and will be a confident selection if making a quick reappearance here.
The closing Restricted race has a competitive look with 24 entries. Shady Hollow had an unassailable advantage when parting company with Sam Allwood at the penultimate at Barbury in February and is selected to make amends for Marie McGuinness' in-form stable.
The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race 2.00pm. The entrance fee is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant; £5 for pedestrians.
