WILTON
BADBURY RINGS
Saturday 20TH March 2010

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

Zabenz is fancied to retain his 100% point-to-point record in the Wilton Ladies’ Open at Badbury Rings on Saturday, where the six race card starts at 1.00pm.

A winner in his native New Zealand, in Australia and the USA, Zabenz is unbeaten in his three point-to-points to date, including a battling win over Silver Monarch – a possible Saturday rival – here in 2009. Opposition includes Matako and Barneys Mate, first and second here in February, and Dr Cerullo, unraced this season but always a force in this company. Croix De Guerre took advantage of Nobody Tells Me’s last fence blunder to win at Cothelstone on Saturday, with Miss Midnight close up in third, and both will have chances if making a quick reappearance. Zabenz is fancied to extend his unbeaten record between the flags, although course specialist Silver Monarch will be difficult to catch on a fast surface.

Thisthatandtother and Silver Monarch, who fell independently of each other at the 12th at Charlton Horethorne, may both seek compensation in the Men’s Open. Machrihanish put up a fine performance when third at Larkhill on Sunday, although Trade Off was never really in contention and was eventually pulled up when tailed off. Sweet Diversion and Touch Of Flame could be interesting outsiders, but Thisthatandtother is the one if putting in a clear round.

Sure Future, who overturned perennial Badbury favourite Golden Jack in last year’s Hunt race, could reappear in this season’s renewal. Yes My Lord and Pastek, who was closing when falling at the last in Cousin John’s Larkhill Restricted, look the two to choose from.

There are 17 entries for the Restricted race, including Deloughtane, who has been in the frame in seven of his last nine outings, and Even Homer Nods, a well beaten third here in February. The Partalonian has been absent since his impressive UK debut at Larkhill in early 2009, but will be a confident selection if Alison Dare decides to travel from her Malmesbury yard.

Rowdy Yeats was a close up third behind the top class Bon Accord at Barbury Castle in February and may be a sporting selection for the Confined. The consistent Curly Quinn and Back Is Back, who should be suited by the Badbury track, are two suggestions for the Maiden.

The Badbury Rings course lies 3 miles NW of Wimborne on the B3082. First race: 1.00pm. Admission is to either of two car parks at £10 per car or £20 per car with course view (£10 per car with driver only).