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ALYSIA'S FLAME: could have another chance to win at Restrcited level
photo: Tim Holt

Mount Benger looks the one to beat in the New Forest Mixed Open on Saturday - if connections bypass Cheltenham for Larkhill.

The 11-year-old, who holds an engagement in Friday's Christie's Foxhunter, has been in fine form this season, winning a Huntingdon Hunter Chase and finishing a close second to subsequent Wincanton Hunter Chase winner Jayne's Crusader here in January.

The 14 Entries include Commander Vic, a winner on last season's card, course specialist Trade Off and the consistent Mustangsallyrally, who was just touched off in the 2010 Coronation Gold Cup. Mount Benger is the selection if connections take up this engagement. Ruairi finished runner-up to the top-class Roulez Cool at Ashorne last season and may the one to benefit from Mount Benger's absence.

The 14 Entries for the Novice Riders race include formerly high-class Balinova and Hunter Chase winner Sesame Rambler, who won in bottomless conditions at Barbury last month. Barneys Mate is unbeaten in three outings this season and is a confident selection to make it four. Never So Blue, a 10-time winner under Rules, was fourth at Whitwick in February and looks the one for the forecast.

Righteous Glory and course winners Coral Cay and Long Courrier are three to consider in the opening Confined race, but Karshaan sprinted clear of his field at Badbury Rings and should have little difficulty following up.

John Daniell and Alysia's Flame were second and third in a competitive Badbury Rings Restricted and can renew rivalry in Saturday's 13-Entry contest. Russian Rain won his only outing at Badbury Rings last season but Curtain Razer made an impressive debut at Ottery St Mary and gets the vote.

Two Maiden contests complete the card. Minireturn has been placed in five of her six races to date and can finally get her head in front in the Mares contest. Brook Native, Marshal Zhukov and Watergate Bay may be three to consider for the 2m4f event.

Two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Area Finals in May, will be staged before racing, from 11.00am.
The course is found five miles NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, reached off the A303, A345 or A360. First race 12.30pm.

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