ROYAL ARTILLERY
LARKHILL
Saturday 26th January 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

Spectators can look forward to a cracking day’s racing at the Royal Artillery meeting at Larkhill this Saturday, 26 th January. The two Open races take centre stage, but with 172 horses entered for the eight races (first race 11:30 am), the whole card is sure to command attention.

The Ladies Open promises to be the best such contest to date this season. Oracle Des Mottes, Raregem and Red Brook Lad filled the places at the Army meeting and could renew rivalry. Brown Cockle has chances, along with the Faulks’ consistent Happy Shopper, and Wages, who ran a fine race for Chloe Roddick against Croix De Guerre at Black Forest Lodge on Sunday. Chloe may opt for Paul Nicholls’ Goblet Of Fire, while Pirate Flagship – another ex-Ditcheat inmate – could make his hunt racing debut for Angela Rucker. Oracle Des Mottes impressed at the Army and can confirm form with Raregem and Red Brook Lad, but Double Honour is a resolute performer and is the selection.

The impressive 29-strong entry for the Mens Open includes 2006 winner Barton Baron, Larkhill regular Trade Off, and Cobreces, who made an encouraging return at Barbury Castle. Mouseski and Honourable Spider, who were separated by just ½ length in last year’s contest, must be considered, although the latter disappointed at the Army. Two possibles are Noakarad De Verzee, unbeaten in his last four outings for David Maxwell, and former Northumberland Plate winner Unleash, who gave Double Honour most to do at Ideford Arch. The in-form Waley-Cohens can choose between stunning Army winner Something Small and ex-French chaser Organiz, but the suggestion is course winner Coolefind, third in Stratford’s Pertemps Cup in May and among the leading hunter chasers in the country at his best.

The Intermediate promises to be another high-class affair. Candidates include stable companions Willy The Slip and Slaezy, and Peter Cave’s Miller’s Monarch who may set a fast pace. Army winner Big Brendan is a leading fancy, but many eyes will be on unbeaten Drybrook Bedouin, who created a tremendous impression when trotting up here last season. Blue Magnum disappointed in the Army Mens Open, but was equally impressive last season and should not be written off.

There are 36 entries for the 3-mile Maiden. Northern Pitcher, Supreme Royal and Tres Bien were placed at the Army, where Primitive Lass fell. However, Richard Barber has a strong hand with Alfie Sherrin, Pleasure Shared and Shaver Baines – still in contention when falling at the Army – and his selected runner looks the one. The 2½ mile Maiden will be run in two divisions. Dontellyermother and Kyrano may be two for Division 1. Mendip Dane and Silverton third Uncle Matthew may be challenged by Pleasure Shared or Shaver Baines if connections opt to turn out for Division 2.

Godfrey Maundrell holds the key to the Hunt Members’ race and his choice from Lisadell King and Rhythm King will be the obvious market leader. The meeting also stages the unique King’s Troop RHA Club Members race. This is often a light betting heat, but 2007 Hopton may be a popular choice.

The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race 11.30am. The entrance fee is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant.