LARKHILL hosts its second Wessex Area meeting of the season when the Larkhill Racing Club hold its meeting on Sunday, writes Bob Bracher.

A total of 117 horses have been entered for the six races and with the recent arrival of rain at the course the going is currently good.

The two Open races look high class potential contests. The Ladies’ Open may see the return of Aikideau who was successful at the first meeting this season and should continue to do well in 2017.

However, trainer Jack Barber may be represented by the tough mare Posh Totty the winner of four races last season and whichever one is his representative should be respected.

The opposition could include another determined mare in the shape of Dabinett Moon who was the winner of five of her races last season.

The Men’s Open race is another high quality event and if the rain continues we may see the highly regarded Ask the Weatherman who only raced twice last season but was hugely impressive on both occasions.

The meeting starts with an open looking Club Members’ Conditions race for which 21 horses have been entered.

Jack Barber has entered Dunn’s River and Athreeothree both of whom were on the upgrade in 2016.

The Restricted race has an entry of 20 horses with Avidius Cassius having potentially the best form from last season.

Placed in four of his six races last season he should be included on the short list.

Others to consider are Creative Inerta who finished his initial season when placed third in the bumper race at Aintree, Themanfromcork who won his maiden at Larkhill in 2015, V Neck the winner of a maiden for Richard Barber in 2013 but not seen since April 2014 after three races for Paul Nicholls and Swivel the winner of six races on the flat but still eligible for Restricted races.

The Novice Riders’ race also contains an entry for Posh Totty and if this is the chosen race for the mare then she would be the selection. However, as Christopher Barber broke his collarbone at Chaddesley Corbett she may not take up her entry.

Thereyarsee improved last season and could be a winner for Lorcan Williams although he may have to choose between this gelding and Ceasar Milan who was running on in the third place at the last meeting for him.

The Open Maiden race for which 26 horses have been entered is a race where there is not much form to go on.

Magic Symphony sets the standard and may put his performances from 2016 to give trainer Richard Bandey his first winner of the season.

* Larkhill Racecourse is to be found five miles north-west of Amesbury – Postcode SP4 8QR. First Race 11.30am. Entry costs £10 per person.