25 March 2009 Preview: Avon Vale - Larkhill
The Mixed Open highlights the Avon Vale meeting at Larkhill this Saturday, 28th March. The 15 entries include 2007 winner Trade Off, a dual Badbury Rings winner this season and fourth in the Coronation Gold Cup here two weeks ago.
Three other candidates are Hi Fi, who held off Sunday's Ston Easton winner Blu Teen when runner-up to Meanus Dandy at Charlton Horethorne, Coral Cay, the winner of the Restricted at last year's meeting, and Drybrook Bedouin, who came right back to his best when setting a fast time in the New Forest Confined. However, Meanus Dandy is unbeaten in both his outings this season for the Richard Barber stable and is fancied to bring up his hat trick.
The Connolly's Red Mills Intermediate has attracted 14 entries, including Lisadell King, unbeaten in three Larkhill outings for Godfrey Maundrell in early 2008, but absent since. The consistent Mrs O'Connell chased up Drybrook Bedouin at the New Forest Intermediate, but Niver Bai impressed twice last season before finding conditions too soft at Upcott Cross and may make a winning reappearance.
Remember Bampi, a winner here two weeks ago, has chances of following up in the Restricted race. The main opposition is Silent Gunner, runner-up under Godfrey Maundrell in the New Forest Restricted, Super Lady, who recorded a good time when coasting home at Buckfastleigh, and The Boat, who got up in the final strides of a 2m4f Maiden at Garthorpe.
Thisthatandtother, who was caught close home at the New Forest meeting, stands out in the Novice Riders' race. East Lawyer, who was in contention for much of the Coronation Gold Cup, Duchamp, a good third in a Godstone Ladies Open, and Gunship may be three sporting alternatives.
Bobbys Choice was a good second at Cothelstone and may go one better in the young horse Maiden. Freddie Ed has been second in both his outings to date and may get his head in front in the older horse contest.
Richard Hawker took the Hunt race last season for the first time and may follow up with Shrewd Dude in this season's renewal.
The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race: 1.30pm. Admission charges are £20 per car, with a discount for single occupancy; £5 pedestrians.
