17 March 2009 Preview: Wilton - Badbury Rings
GOLDEN JACK: a real Badbury Rings specialist
Course specialist Golden Jack, the winner of seven races at Badbury Rings, looks set to return to the Dorset venue on Saturday, 21st March. Ninety-four horses have been entered for the Wilton meeting's six race card starting at 12.30pm.
Golden Jack could be in action in the opening hunt race. Sarah Hayward has chances with 2007 winner Kalexandro and Thatlldoya, who was second to Thisthatandtother here in February. Lucy Franks has a strong hand with Pastek - a good third at Larkhill on Saturday - and Sure Future, but Golden Jack is fancied for an eighth course success.
There are 17 entries for the Restricted race, including Woodbridge Quest, who has been in the frame in six of his last nine outings, and Black Forest Lodge dead-heater Man Of Leisure, a subsequent good fourth at Kingston St Mary. Misstree Dancer and Keep Him Keen won Maiden races on the same Kingston card (Keep Him Keen set the faster time) and may be the two to choose from.
The Men's Open has attracted a strong entry of 16, including Golden Jack, last year's winner Zesta Fiesta and course specialist Machrihanish. Good Book and Niver Bai are interesting, but Trade Off, Knighton Combe and Silver Monarch are all suited by Badbury Rings and may fight out the finish. Silver Monarch just gets the vote.
Thisthatandtother, who was caught close home at Larkhill on Saturday, is fancied to resume winning ways if making a quick reappearance in the Novice Riders' race. In his absence, Sahara Legend and last year's winner Bucket Awl will have their supporters, but Pimbury is fancied to continue trainer Jane Western's good run.
Golden Jack, Silver Monarch and Tyneham are included in the 12 entries for the Ladies' Open. Cothelstone winner Fully Loaded and Rye Brook, who would be suited by fast ground, have chances, along with Hold On Harry, who runs well when fresh. Parsifal and Fleur De Nikos are likely to set a tremendous pace and may prove difficult to catch.
The meeting closes with the Open Maiden race, which has attracted 32 entries. Flying Schuttle never got on terms over 2½ miles at Barbury Castle in January, but may be worth another chance.
The Badbury Rings course lies 3 miles NW of Wimborne on the B3082. First race: 12.30pm. Admission is to either of two car parks at £10 per car or £20 per car with course view (£10 per car with driver only).
