Horse racing at Larkhill will offer something for everyone (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Horse racing at Larkhill will offer something for everyone

ONE hundred and sixty-seven horses are entered for the seven races at the Royal Artillery meeting at Larkhill on Salisbury Plain this Saturday, January 31.

The unique King's Troop RHA Club Members' race was not staged in 2003, due to military commitments abroad, but makes a welcome return to begin proceedings at 11.30am.

Capriole and Cleopatra fought out the finish of the 2002 renewal and may again be the two to choose from.

The Hunt Members race has attracted six entries, including Alltime Dancer and Flora MacDonald, winners of this race in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

But Godfrey Maundrell's Bally Wirral is also one to watch.

The Open Maiden race will be run in two Divisions. Five to consider in Division One are Preacher Boy, second at the Army meeting, Spanish Dolphin - a faller in the same race - Noble Action, Faugere, and Running Hot, a promising fourth at Larkhill in 2003.

Wild Chimes was in contention when falling at the Army and may make amends in Division Two. Roseacre, Will Shakespeare and the Caroline Bailey-trained Greet You Well may provide the strongest opposition.

There is very high quality entry of 35 for the Ladies' Open, including last year's winner Rimpton Boy and runner-up Caldamus.

Ask The Natives is an interesting entry while Supreme Citizen, winner of three 2003 races, and Ray Geddes' Tales Of Bounty will enter calculations.

Cheltenham Foxhunters' runner-up Bright Approach won the Lord Ashton of Hyde's Cup at the Heythrop on Sunday, while Ballysicyos was well clear when falling two out at the PPORC meeting at Barbury Castle and these may be the two to challenge Rimpton Boy.

There is an equally impressive entry of 41 for the Men's Open. Always On The Line, Red Brook Lad and Aberfoyle Park filled the placings in the Army Men's Open and could renew rivalry here.

The Jeremy Scott-trained Right To Reply is an interesting entry while Woodlands Beau enjoyed a marvellous season in 2003 and must be considered.

Tweseldown runner-up Find Me Another and 2002 Leicester Hunter Chase winner Private Pete should be noted if travelling down from the Midlands.

Bright Approach and Ballysicyos hold engagements here and may fight out the finish with Red Brook Lad if taking this option.

The closing Intermediate race has attracted 30 entries. Burley Don Carlos won two races at the end of last season and may pose the biggest threat to PPORA Restricted winner Kingston-Banker.

The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race 11.30am.

If the forecasted extreme weather conditions persist, racegoers may like to check before leaving home whether the meeting is still on by ringing Talking Point on 09068 44-60-61 (calls cost 60p per minute).