15 April 2009 Preview: South & West Wilts - Larkhill
MEANUS DANDY: unbeaten this year
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.
Last year's winner Man From Highworth could follow up in the Mens Open, although John Manners' gelding has yet to win in his five outings this season. Strong challengers include Avon Vale winner Drybrook Bedouin and Meanus Dandy, who is unbeaten in both his 2009 outings. The Big Breakfast, Trade Off and Who Else Knew ran creditably behind Turthen in Wincanton's Stewart Tory Memorial Hunter Chase and will be supported. However, Kiama has cantered home in her two outings under Will Biddick and is a confident selection.
Man From Highworth holds an entry for the Ladies Open and will be selected to outspeed his rivals if taking up the option. Trade Off, Golden Jack and fast ground specialist Bell Rock may find the pace a little hard to handle, so last year's winner Watership Down is suggested as the sporting alternative.
The PPORA Novice Riders race looks a fascinating contest. Thisthatandtother settled beautifully for Jack Barber at Badbury Rings on Saturday and will be selected to make five wins this season if reappearing here. Grenfell - a three-time winner this season for Sam Twiston-Davies - last year's winner Opium Du Bois and Gunship, the winner of the Avon Vale Novice Riders race, will all put up strong challenges.
2008 winner General Blackthorn is among the six entries for the Hunt race and is the automatic selection after his recent all-the-way Cothelstone win. Caroline Hobbs has a strong hand with Lile Na Casca and Phiroza, who was looking set to make a winning debut when blundering at the last at the Avon Vale, and her chosen runner will be the danger.
The closing Restricted race has attracted 15 entries including Ballistigo, who impressed when finishing alone in the New Forest 3m Maiden here in March. However, Vico made a stunning debut in the 2m4f contest on the same card and cannot be opposed.
The Open Maiden has attracted 23 entries and looks tricky. Bobbys Choice, who was just touched off at Badbury Rings on Saturday, Dream Leader - runner-up in both her outings to date - and the consistent Midleton Madness are the three suggestions.
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.
