08 April 2009 Preview: Essex & Suffolk - Higham
Easter Saturday heralds the last of Higham's meetings for the season, the Essex and Suffolk fixture.
The first of six steeplechases gets under way at 2.00pm, but the first action comes at 1.00pm when two children's pony races over a flat half mile section of the course come under orders.
Master Rex is enjoying something of an indian summer to his career at the age of 14 and has the choice of three different entries as he attempts to notch his third victory of 2009.
One of those came at this venue at the end of January and he may have hit the front too soon on his return to the course when narrowly beaten by the subsequent scorer, Viceroy Close, here five weeks ago. He clearly handles the track and comes here having since won at Cottenham.
The toughest of his three options could be the Mens Open, where potential rivals include the former Swinton Hurdle winner Coat Of Honour, and the dual course winner, Needs Time.
In the Novice Riders Race, Basic Fact, from the in-form Turner yard, looks the pick of Master Rex's ten possible opponents while the opening Club Members could pit him against the hat-trick seeking Rocja.
Overall, 69 horses have been entered for a meeting which concludes at 5.10pm with a 15-entry Maiden Race.
Higham is eight miles north east of Colchester and is best accessed by using the A12 and the B1068. Admission will be charged at £10 per head with under 17s free.
