Entries to The Point to Point Racing Co Ltd (www.pointtopointentries.co.uk )

Entries close:   Monday 12th December 2022 12.30

Races:   4 & 5 yr Flat, 4 & 5yrs Maiden (2m4f), Mixed Open, Restricted, Conditions (L2), 6yrs+ Open Maiden 

First Race 11.00

Weather permitting the second of the scheduled point to point meetings at Larkhill near Amesbury takes place this coming Sunday when the Avon Vale hold their annual fixture. There are six scheduled races due to take place with an early start of 11.00am with a good entry of 93 horses. The going before the cold snap was good and although the grass cover had kept some of the frost out temperatures had dipped to -5 on Sunday night. The current forecast   predicts that temperatures will rise later in the week. So, the signs  are hopeful and   there will be a  formal inspection of  the course at 11.00am on Thursday  and at the same time each day thereafter and will update on the National website as well as the Wessex website – www.wessexpointtopoint.co.uk

. In addition to the horse racing there will be food and drink outlets, trade stands for some late Christmas shopping and bookmakers. Come prepared for winter weather with warm clothing and footwear and enjoy a day out on Salisbury Plain.

A high quality Mixed Open is the feature race where 18 horses have been entered. Shantou Flyer brings winning Larkhill form following his dead heat for owner Paul Nicholls and his jockey daughter Olive at the last meeting in the Conditions Race where he may well be reopposed by the other winner in that same race Commanche Red who will be partnered by Molly Landau. Both should come on for their seasonal reappearance and there may again be little between them. The veteran Southfield Theatre will no doubt lead the field under Lily Bradstock but with his fifteenth birthday fast approaching there will be some younger legs who might be too good for him. Famous Clermont was in excellent form last season and this progressive seven-year-old may be the one to support. Another progressive gelding last season was Kaproyale from Fran Nimmo’s stable winning five of his six appearances. Both Zee Man and From the Heart bringing winning form this season but this looks harder for both of them. A fascinating entry is Born Survivor placed behind Frodon at Sandown in April 2021 and now with Ed Walker his pointing debut should be noted. 

The chief supporting race is the Conditions race where a number of those mentioned above have this as an alternative option. Commanche Red, Southfield Theatre and Bold Conduct are three of those and would all have leading chances if this race is chosen for them. My Way from Sam Loxton’s stable will have his supporters having been placed third in a strong Open race at Chaddesley Corbett behind Cousin Pascal. Previously trained by Paul Nicholls he is now owned by Paul’s father Brian and John Gane he won both over Hurdles and Chases and may be another to give Olive Nicholls a winner. The progressive Honey I’m Good from Bradley Gibbs yard, Knockmoylan from Chris Barber’s stable and Largy Mountain trained by Fran Poste are all likely to have their supporters. Bold Conduct won well at the last meeting but this is a considerable step up for him.

The meeting begins with a Bumper on the flat over two miles. With only two of the seventeen entries having run before an inspection in the paddock and a review of pedigrees would be advisable. Philip Rowley has a good record in this sort of race and his representative It Had to be Shaw should be considered along with Blazing Litten from Leslie Jefford’s stable and Frodo from Luke Price’s yard.

The two mile four furlong Maiden for four and five year olds has an entry of fourteen horses. City Storm stayed on well to finish third in a very strong race at the last meeting and this Heidi Brookshaw trained four year old may be one to support. Cooler Than Me was a close second at Badbury Rings in November and with his victor Great Schema winning again at Wadebridge he may the biggest danger. Katopop was the runner up at Dunsmore and is another to consider. Regatta de Blanc from Will Biddick’s stable is a newcomer to particularly note and Tom Ellis’s representative I’m Ravenous is sure to improve on his only race at Shelfield Park last season. 

The Restricted race also over two miles and four furlongs has an entry of ten horses. Hung Jury boasts good form from last season and may be the one to support. Patanita has yet to jump a fence in public having won a point-to-point Bumper and another Bumper at Stratford and is a fascinating entry. Da Boy Charlie won a Maiden at Kimble last season for Harry Myddelton whereas Sake of Secrecy won a Maiden at Great Trethew for trainer Neil McLean but is now with local trainer Harriet Waight. 

The meeting concludes with a Maiden race for 6-year-olds and over and features the runner up and third place from the equivalent race at the last meeting. Although neither Gallant Geronimo nor Geordie Washington could match Rabble Rouser their previous experience of Larkhill may stand them in good stead. Famoso was a good third at Badbury Rings and should come on for that run and might be good enough and a similar comment applies to Grenadine Save who was runner up at Ffos Las. Aunt Lily ran in the same race at Ffos Las and unseated her rider at the third last when chasing the eventual winner. Go Sacre Go trained by Sally Alner has placed form under Rules and could go well and a similar comment applies to the ex-Irish Johnny Me Boy now with local trainer Bea Coward.

Entry costs are £15 per person with under 16s free. Plenty of parking available. Postcode for the course is SP4 8QR and the course is signposted off the Amesbury to Upavon road A345. Check Wessex Point to Point website – www.pointingwessex.co.uk for updates before travelling.

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