The final meeting of the current calendar year in the Wessex area takes place at Larkhill on 31st December when the Larkhill Racing Club holds their meeting. This is an ideal opportunity to enjoy an afternoon on Salisbury Plain after all of the festivities have been completed and before the New Year is heralded in. The course is in good condition with the current going report being good and good to soft in places with the bends having been moved since the last meeting. The meeting has been rewarded with an excellent entry of 120 for the seven scheduled races due to start at 11.30am and the quality of the entries certainly gives every hope that there will be some competitive racing to view.

 

The opening race, the Godfrey Mandrell Memorial Conditions, remembers Godfrey who was a strong supporter of Larkhill in his lifetime and he would have been delighted with the quality of the 23 horses entered. Montanna boasts a course success from last season and if ready for his seasonal debut he could provide enthusiastic owner Reg Hopkins with another winner. Tara Storm was a revelation last season and if appearing here instead of Chaddesley Corbett where he holds another entry he should be on the short list. Deise Aba boasted good form when trained under Rules for Philip Hobbs and now with Fran Poste he should be able to show the benefit of his seasonal debut and is one to consider. Imogen’s Thunder is the apple of trainer Mary Tory’s eye and it is good to see him back after only a sole outing last season. Two ex-Paul Nicholls trained horses Duc de Bourbon and Mr Glass are worth keeping an eye on as they make their pointing debuts. Nickolson had a solitary pointing outing last season winning at Hexham and this high class ex NH individual may be another to consider.

 

The Ladies Open sponsored by Paul Nicholls and John Bolton may prove a battle between the sponsors own horse Viroflay and Grace A Vous Enki. Both are already winners at Larkhill this season with Viroflay winning impressively at the first meeting under Olive Nicholls and is becoming difficult to beat at the Wiltshire course. The Nicky Sheppard trained Grace A Vous Enki easily won a Mixed Open at the last meeting and looks progressive. Away from the two principals Sara Bradstock has entered her two stalwarts namely Myth Buster and Southfield Theatre and if either run, they will ensure a fast pace. Champagne Noir, a rare entry for Tom Ellis gave Ellie Holder four wins last season but this is a much together assignment. Viroflay is narrowly preferred to continue his successes at Larkhill.