Beaufort Races - Didmarton - Satuday 1 March
The PPORA Level 3 Conditions Race for Grass Roots Riders at Didmarton on Saturday 1 st
March occupies a unique place in the pointing calendar, being the only race all season
restricted to riders who do not hold a licence to ride under rules. It has attracted 13 entries,
headed on ratings by How To Get Away, who showed useful form for former handler David
Kemp. Now trained by Sarah Prouse, he is due to be ridden by owner Maia Ramasamy, who
would be having just her second ride. Abbie Willmott’s Powerstown Park has shown good
form since returning to racing between the flags without winning, while the talented
Quickcharge came close to giving trainer-rider Gill Anderson a first success at Eyton-on-
Severn in May. It’s For Alan, trained by Jo Davis, is ultra-consistent in this company – rider
Blubell Walker would be another having just her second ride. Jo Priest has her horses in fine
form and has entered two – Western Cowboy won for Will Badlan at Cotley last season, his
jockey is already off the mark this campaign and he would be preferred to Striking Out, the
mount of Emma Williams. It often pays to back the rider in races such as this and Guy
Sankey, booked for Caroline Robinson’s Best Friend Barnaby, is by far the most
experienced, although the horse has not shown his best form this season.
South & West Wilts - Larkhill - Sunday 2 March
On Sunday 2 nd March, Larkhill hosts a PPORA Level 2 Conditions Race and nine have been
entered. Top-rated and clear form pick is Josh Newman’s Paloma Blue, a Cheltenham
Hunter Chase winner in 2023 and a good second on his recent Milborne St Andrew return
after a long absence. None of the others have pointing credentials to match, although both
Master Malcolm and Premier D’Troice have useful placed form this season. Pointing
debutant Larry – also entered in the Open on the card – is an interesting contender, a Grade
3 winner for Gary Moore under rules who won off a mark of 132 only a year ago. He is now
owned and trained by George Gorman, who is also down to ride after two seasons out of
the saddle. ‘Mr Larkhill’ Stan Rawlins owns Sake Of Secrecy, trained by Harriet Waight – he
was second here in January.
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