19 January 2009 Preview: The Royal Artillery at Larkhill
TURTHEN: unbeaten this season and is entered in the Ladies Open
Top quality racing is in prospect at the Royal Artillery meeting at Larkhill - one of the country's leading Point-to-Point venues - this Saturday, 24th January. The two Open races highlight the card, but with the going likely to be perfect for racing, the Maiden and Intermediate races look sure to pinpoint stars of the future. There are 133 horses entered for the seven races (first race 11:00 am).
The Ladies Open has attracted as good an entry as any to date all season. Charlie Fox's Turthen is unbeaten in two Point-to-Points, including a facile win at Barbury on Sunday, and looks the likely favourite if taking up the engagement. Kiama, who fell at the third in Turthen's Barbury race, and Brown Cockle, an early departee the previous day, could be strong challengers. Petit Lord, who made a winning debut for the Angela Rucker stable at Ampton on Sunday, Tyneham and the Tizzards' Coombe Hill, who improved throughout last season, should be considered. The fascinating entry is Zabenz, a winner in Australia and America and with a string of fine efforts in top-quality UK races for the Philip Hobbs yard. Zabenz has been off the course since April 2007, so Turthen just gets the nod.
Kingscliff put up a magnificent front-running display at Dunthrop in December and heads the 17 entries for the Mens Open. Grand campaigner Golden Jack, Hambaphambili and Coral Cay have place chances, but the main threat should come from Distant Thunder, who made a fine return at Barbury on Saturday before eventually pulling up. Kingscliff is the obvious selection to make all the running, but the Larkhill course puts emphasis on speed as well as stamina and Distant Thunder may stay in contention before mounting a serious challenge in the straight.
The Intermediate promises to be another high-class affair. Candidates include Drybrook Bedouin, Sericina - beaten only by top prospect Alfie Sherrin and Chepstow hurdle race Jaunty Journey in Points to date - the Waley-Cohen bumper winner Fiddle and ex-Irish Meanus Dandy. Sericina may be the sporting suggestion.
There are 32 entries for the 3-mile Maiden including Black Forest Lodge runner-up Perfect Gem, The Last Optimist, and the Caves' Taralina. However, Richard Barber took this race with Alfie Sherrin last year and looks to have another strong hand with Aiteen Thirtythree, Shacklesborough and Shaver Baines. The 2½ mile Maiden has 30 entries. Shaver Baines holds an entry and may dispute favouritism with stable companions Remember Bampi and Benarchat. Lucciolina may be an interesting alternative.
Godfrey Maundrell usually holds the key to the Hunt Members' race and his choice from Theatre Call and Rhythm King may overcome the Stan and Sally Rawlins pair, Corkscrew King and Gowna's Hope. The meeting also stages the unique King's Troop RHA Club Members race. This is invariably a light betting heat but Reflection and Highfield fought out the 2008 renewal and should again be to the fore.
The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race (King's Troop) 11.00am. Admission is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant; £5 pedestrians.
