Racing: Hopes are high for Horus at Larkhill

No problems are reported at either of this weekend's meetings, the Army at Larkhill on Saturday, where the first race is at 11.30am, or the Waveney Harriers at Higham on Sunday, which starts at noon.

The going at Larkhill, the busiest course in the country with seven fixtures, is currently good and the Land Rover Mens' Open (12.40) promises to provide the highlight of the meeting, which has 146 entries, with a clash between Gunner Welburn, Horus and winning hurdler McHattie.

Gunner Welburn needed his first run last season when third to Aberfoyle Park here, but went on to win at Haydock and at Aintree in the Fox Hunters. Significantly both those races were on soft ground and a line through Aberfoyle Park suggests he may struggle against Horus on this faster surface. The latter put up a fast time when slamming Aberfoyle Park by six lengths in this race last year and, only seven, has the potential to go right to the top.

Nothing stands out in the ladies' open (12.05) and first time out may be the right occasion to catch Garolo. He was successful on his debut last season and the former Mary Revely-trained Dragons Bay would be the alternative in his absence.

Noyan looks the likely winner of the ladies' open (1.40) at Higham on Sunday, while Baie Des Singes showed enough under Rules to suggest he can take division two of the maiden (2.50).