Competitive field goes to post at Garthorpe

The first race is scheduled for a 2pm start and with ground conditions near perfect a large crowd is expected for this popular meeting. Two Pony Races are due to take place about one hour before the first race.

Richard Armson currently heads Garthorpe's Leading Rider Award with 21 points, eight ahead of Stuart Morris and both will be in action.

The Melton Hunt Club Members' Race has attracted 24 including highly-rated Barton Star, Tallow Bridge, Morris' probable mount and probable favourite Bon Accord who won at Cheltenham last season.

The Intermediate Race has an entry of 13 including Sovereign Quest, a Garthorpe winner last year, who has Armson on board.

Walter's Laddie has won at Guilsborough and Brocklesby Park already this season, while Teeton Swansong was a surprise 33-1 winner at Guilsborough.

The Marie Curie Club Members Novices Championship Race has an entry of 20. Both Bentota and Burn Brook were winners last weekend at Dingley, and despite the latter clocking the fastest time, Bentota should improve.

But Chorizo has won his last three and looks the one to beat.

The Ladies' Open Race has attracted 16. Madge Carroll has been placed in each of four outings this year, while Pirate Flagship beat Vingis Park by a neck at Garthorpe and may edge it.

Fifteen are entered for the Men's Open Race which looks competitive. Coolefind pipped Denvale in a good finish at Guilsborough, while Tender Tangle and True Friday are both recent Open winners. Chorizo and Sonevafushi, an easy winner at Whittington, have a good chance.

The MHC Members' Conditions Race has an entry of 23 including the consistent Cheyne, a winner at Brafield and Dingley, and Sleep Bal, a decent winner at Clifton.

The Open Maiden Race for 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-olds has 33 entered. Fenny Lane was a decent second at Garthorpe recently, while The Factor ran second at Clifton.

But the vote goes to Velvet Red, beaten by a neck at Brafield in April.

Garthorpe is six miles east of Melton on the B676. Admission is 20 per car of four, 10 single car occupants or free entry for under 16s.