Point-to-Point: Barber's runners look razor sharp at Larkhill

Richard Barber should again be the man to follow at Larkhill today where Oracle Des Mottes (1.15) can repeat his recent course success in the ladies' open. The nine-year-old missed last season but looked in superb condition for his comeback three weeks ago and had only to be shaken up on the run-in by Rachael Green to beat Raregem, who is entered again.

Barber has made a cracking start to the season and his Shaver Baines (2.15) should make amends for his fall here at the same meeting in the second division of the maiden. The five-year-old, owned in partnership by Paul Barber and flamboyant gambler Harry Findlay, was a close second when he overjumped two out and paid the penalty. He had been foot perfect for a newcomer until then and looks a horse to follow.

Racing in the south-east area starts in January for the first time today at Detling, near Maidstone. Marcus Gorman's small yard has already had two winners this season and The Taylor Carey (1.10), successful in a maiden at Tweseldown, has a fitness advantage in the restricted.

Sussex owner-rider Stuart Robinson intends to run the ex-Howard Johnson Turnstile (2.20) in the men's open. Although only seven, Turnstile has won on the Flat, over hurdles and fences, and can have a good career between the flags.

FIXTURES: TODAY: Royal Artillery at Larkhill. (First race: 11.30). 5m NW of Amesbury; 10m N of Salisbury; nr A303, A345 and A360. West Street Tickham at Detling. (12.0). 2m E of Maidstone nr A249; 1m N of village; Exit 7 M20; Exit 5 M2.

TOMORROW: Albrighton at Weston Park. (12.0). 4m NE of Shifnal; nr A5 and A41. Exit 12 M6 or Exit 3 M54. Midlands Area Club at Thorpe Lodge. (12.0). 4m SW of Newark-on-Trent, nr A46, 5m from A1. North Norfolk Harriers at Higham. (11.0). 8m NE of Colchester via A12 and B1068. Tiverton at Chipley Park. (11.0). 3m NE of Wellington on B3187; Junc 26 M5.