2019 begins with a bumper entry for the Larkhill Racing Club point –to-point meeting due to take place this coming Sunday 6 January at Larkhill Racecourse on Salisbury Plain. With 163 horses entered a decision has been made to divide the Maiden race and bring forward the time of the first race to 11.30am so there will be a minimum of seven races for racegoers to enjoy. The weather forecast looks promising so if you looking for something to do after the excesses of the Christmas period come racing and enjoy the spectacle of seeing horses and riders taking on the challenge of the 3 mile course and the 18 jumps in each race. There will be bookmakers in attendance, food and drink outlets and trade stands to view. The current going is described as good so the likelihood is that there will be large fields in each race.

The highlights of the meeting will be the two Open Races, the first being the Skinner’s Ladies Open for which 19 horses have been entered. This looks like being a high class race with a number of course regulars within the entries including the winner of the Coronation Gold Cup for the past two seasons Brackloon High who is likely to be ridden by Jennifer Harbison for the first time. Other potential rivals include Southfield Theatre who won at the previous Larkhill meeting in December for Lily Bradstock, the talented Monsieur Gibraltar for whom Harriet Tucker may make a return to race riding after surgery last season, Sonneofpresenting who upset the odds on Cousin Pete at Barbury Castle for Sarah Rippon, Woodfleet who won a Hunter Chase at Wincanton and is now trained by Kate Bandey and Bistouri D’Honore who has to put a disappointing run at Barbury Castle behind him. If the new partnership for Brackloon High gels then he may be a hard act to beat but keep an eye out for The Last But One now owned by Tom Malone who won four races for Paul Nicholls.

The Mens Open sponsored by Southern Counties Auctioneers has received the biggest entry of the day of 30 horses. Again another tremendous race is in prospect with Caid du Berlais the winner of a Punchestown Hunter Chase for Will Biddick and trainer Rose Loxton one of the standout entries. Cousin Pete will be looking to improve on his run at Barbury Castle and Shotavodka has already secured a victory at Barbury in November. Tom Barton won at the last Larkhill meeting for his Novice rider Liam Harrison but this looks a sterner test. The ex -Roger Brookhouse owned Stellar Notion is a potential fascinating recruit to point –to-pointing. The winner of 6 races under Rules is now trained by Thomas Frost having been bought at the sales last August. He should certainly be watched but if Caid Du Berlais is on song he should be too good for his rivals.

The meeting begins with the Woolley and Wallis Conditions race for which 24 horses have been entered. Portrait King won the Novice Riders race at Chaddesley Corbett last Sunday and if he turns out again his chance should be respected. However it is the younger horses that appeal more with Doctor’s Differ, Imogens Thunder and Teeton Kato as three to consider. Doctor’s Differ won two of his four starts last season and was second in the other races. Imogens Thunder was runner up to the impressive King Roland (who has already made a mark by winning a bumper very easily last month for new trainer Harry Fry) before winning his final two outings and Teeton Kato won two of his four starts last season. Flights and the progressive Marcle Ridge also come into the reckoning but if Imogens Thunder continues to progress he could be the one to support.

The Restricted race sponsored by Alec Jarrett Limited has a big entry of 27 horses. Haven’t Time has already won his Maiden this season but may find several too good for him. Arcal Fifty won well at Larkhill last season before suffering an injury but with the capable Tommie O’Brien likely to be on board he is one for the shortlist. In Arrears should come on for her English debut at Wadebridge and if coming up from Devon should be noted. Teresa Clark has both Pancrace and Port Navas entered and her chosen representative is another to consider. Lucy Felton may give Hunt Politics his seasonal debut and this should be watched. The winner of a Maiden at Duncombe Park he was bought out of Warren Greatrex’s stable last May having failed to make his mark in Bumpers and Hurdle races. The Jaffna Queen won her Maiden at Milborne St Andrew last season whereas Fateh won his Maiden at Trecoed in 2017 but has not been seen since. Another one returning from a long absence is Tedspeed who was second to the smart Fishy Story at Milborne St Andrew in February 2017. Rien du Tout won at Cothelstone at the end of last season and looks an improving sort. Shallamar won well at Barbury Castle and was tracking the leader when falling at the last Larkhill meeting. A chance is taken on him to make his fitness tell.

The Conditions Race for Novice Riders sponsored by Clarke Willmott may see another victory for the Sally Alner trained Apple’s Queen. The runner up to Tom Barton in the Men’s Open race at the last meeting this looks an easier option and may give the promising Liam Harrison another winner. Sally also has entered One Big Love and if the mare is her chosen representative then the hint should be taken. Likely rivals may include Storm Lantern who runs well at Larkhill for Jennifer Harbison, the veteran Sacre Toi, Shah of Persia who has already been placed third this season, Spanish Arch who gave rider Victoria Sollitt her debut victory at Lockinge last season and Chill Factor a prolific winner for National Hunt trainer Anthony Honeyball but not seen since February 2017. The last named is likely to be partnered by Lauren Reed who now works for Anthony and his wife Rachael.

The Maiden race, to be run in two divisions, has been sponsored by We Do Vans has received entries of 21 and 22 horses respectively. In Division One those with form include Bridge of Cally runner up in two Maidens already this season, Ballyjim placed several times last season, Call Claude placed twice last season for Philip Rowley but is now with Ed Walker, Montarlot placed in Irish Maiden races, Miss Seagreen runner up in her two starts last season and Lucarno Express again placed last season. Of particular interest is Raging Fire third in his only race in Ireland and a half-brother to Welsh Grand National winner Elegant Escape. He could make a winning debut for trainer Mike Felton.

Division Two may see the English debut of Silver Louna placed three times in Ireland in 2017 before being sold to Hannah Lewis in July of that year. She may be opposed by Artson already placed third this season, the ex- Paul and Clare Rooney horse Mankala now trained by Elizabeth Brown and Love Around trained by Sheila Crow. The Rose Loxton trained Earth Leader is an interesting recruit to pointing having run without success for Paul Nicholls and is owned by Foxhunter winner Roger Penny and he is a tentative selection in a difficult looking race.

Larkhill Racecourse is to be found 5m NW of Amesbury, Nr A303, A345 and A360 – Postcode SP4 8QT. . First race now 11.30am Entry Costs £10 per person, children go free

Bob Bracher