ARMY
LARKHILL
SATURDAY 5th January 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

The Army point-to-point provides the curtain raiser for the Wessex Area season at Larkhill Racecourse on Salisbury Plain this Saturday, January 5. 151 entries have been received for the six race card, and the meeting’s reputation for quality racing looks assured.

The action starts with the Army Saddle Club Members race at 12:00 noon. The seven entries include Fort Of Gold, who made history when winning for Rev Simon Beveridge at Wadebridge, Vauterhill winner Big Brendan and three-time 2007 scorer Winter Scene. Who Else Knew took last year’s renewal, but Ray Geddes/Richard Barber runners are standing dishes in these races and their Handy Money is the likely favourite.

The Ladies’ Open has attracted a first class entry of 20. Heaven Is Above, High Rank and Home By Midnight will be supported, along with Happy Shopper, a good runner-up to Innocent Rebel at Wadebridge in December. Four to note are bold front-runner Fleur De Nikos, Howard Howard, who beat Home By Midnight at Towcester in April, Raregem – top-class at his best – and Pirate Flagship, formerly with Paul Nicholls but now trained by Sheila Crow. Red Brook Lad has won this race on three occasions, but faces a strong challenge from the Barber pair Gaye Trigger – unbeaten in five point-to-points to date – and Oracle Des Mottes. Gaye Trigger is selected to deny Red Brook Lad.

A tremendous race is in prospect for the Men's Open, where course specialist Trade Off and interesting stable companion Slaezy are among the 37 entries. The Waley-Cohens have a strong hand with last year’s winner Mel In Blue, Something Small and French winner Organiz, while Oracle Des Mottes and Handy Money must be considered if taking this option. Contenders include prolific winners Dante’s Back, Latzod’alm, Cottenham scorer Ballylusky – a possible mount for former Champion Richard Burton – and Honourable Spider, the winner of eight of his 12 races. Blue Magnum was impressive in both 2007 outings and this young horse is fancied to hold off Honourable Spider and the Waley-Cohen runner.

The divided Maiden race could be difficult to solve at this early stage of the season. Deer Valley, Frankie Phlanagan, Shaver Baines and Supreme Royal may be four candidates for Division One. Now Listen To Me is highly rated by connections and looks the one for Division Two.

The meeting ends with a competitive Restricted race which has received 42 entries including three – Shady Hollow, Sulawacee and Yufo – that have already won this season. Baker’s Folly, Earth Works and Yeah But No But are possibles, but Falcon Lake, who disappointed at Cottenham on Sunday, may be worth another chance if turning out.

The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race 12.00 noon. The entrance fee is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant; £5 for pedestrians; under 14s free.