BLACKMORE & SPARKFORD VALE
CHARLTON HORETHORNE
Sunday 9TH March 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

THE Blackmore & Sparkford Vale have received a first-class entry for Sunday’s meeting at Charlton Horethorne on the Dorset/Somerset border (first race 12:30 pm). In addition to top-class racing, the B&SV hounds will parade after the third race and two Pony races – qualifiers for the Wessex Series Final – take place at the end of the meeting.

The two open races hold centre stage. The Ladies’ Open has attracted a high-class entry of 12, including Dizzy Future, who made an impressive point-to-point debut when runner-up at Badbury Rings, former long distance hurdler Quick who invariably sets a fast pace, and Balinova, one of the country’s leading hunter chasers. Richard Barber has a strong hand with Gaye Trigger, Spuddler’s Dream, Rimpton Boy and Ottery St Mary winner Brown Cockle, while Chloe Roddick has entered Perouse (runner-up to Brown Cockle at Ottery) and Goblet Of Fire. The Barber and Roddick representatives are the likely choices, but the suggestion is Balinova, restricted to just eight outings in four seasons but a match for most when at his best.

The 17 entries for the Men’s Open include last year’s winner Stone Valley, Golden Jack and Knighton Combe – first and second home in the opener at the Countryside Alliance meeting at Badbury Rings – Milborne winner Maxou Des Brosses and the evergreen Springford. The Charlton Horethorne course tests stamina, so the suggestions are Brown Cockle (if taking this option) and the Camilla Scott-trained Dare Too Dream, a recent impressive winner at Great Trethew and son of Dubacilla, who was runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and fourth in the Grand National.

The opening Hunt race would grace any card. Goblet Of Fire and Perouse hold entries, while Now Listen To Me could represent the Paul Barber/Harry Findlay “Denman” combination. Foolish Myth recorded a fast time when winning at Milborne, but the suggestion is the West family’s Ask Again, winner of this race last year and one who will certainly be staying on at the finish.

The Intermediate has attracted 23 entries. Tot Of The Knar – unbeaten in two 2008 outings – Candlelight Valley and Sulawacee have chances, but the four to catch the eye are Larkhill maiden winner Alfie Sherrin, who must be noted if going straight into Intermediate company, Drybrook Bedouin – brought down at Ottery on Saturday – the unbeaten Pitch Fork and the Vickerys’ Kiama, who ran her 18-strong restricted field ragged at Kingston St Mary on Sunday.

Alfie Sherrin and Now Listen To Me hold Restricted entries and either will be the worthy favourite. However, Barbury winner Cousin John (who was leading Now Listen To Me when falling at Larkhill), Foolish Myth and facile Buckfastleigh winner Sericina will provide stiff opposition.

The Open Maiden has attracted an entry of 32. Max’s Choice, who was just behind Now Listen To Me when falling at Larkhill, and Shaver Baines are two suggestions.

Access to the course is off the B3145 midway between Sherborne and Wincanton. First race: 12.30 pm. The entrance fee is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant; £5 for pedestrians.