RICHARD Bandey’s consistent Alskamatic is fancied for Larkhill’s New Forest Mixed Open on Saturday.

The consistent nine-year-old, an Exeter Hunter Chase winner 11 months ago, has finished in the first three in 11 of his 15 races between the flags and showed his wellbeing when scoring at the South Dorset last month.

Opposition could include course specialist Bedrock Fred, who would be suited by a fast surface, course winner Perfectly Willing, former top chaser Gauvain – a winner at Cottenham’s seasonal opener – and Posh Totty, who opened her Open race account at Badbury Rings. The fascinating entry is Quantum Theory, a recent Thorpe Lodge winner for Oliver Greenall’s Cheshire stable, but Alskamatic gets the vote.

Perfectly Willing is among the 22 entries for the PPORA Novice Riders and must be considered if facing the starter.

Horseheath winner Solstice Knight is another for the short list, along with James Young’s Combined Services winner Hincheslea Moor and Saturday’s Didmarton scorer Presentandcorrect. The two suggestions are the evergreen Barneys Mate, who has been runner-up in his two appearances this season, and Cock Of The Rock, who led Cheltenham Foxhunter candidate Harbour Court over the last when just deprived at Milborne St Andrew.

My Flora, winner of the 2011 John Corbet Cup and fourth in the 2012 Cheltenham Foxhunter, can confirm Combined Services placings with Posh Totty if both face the starter in the TBA Mares and Fillies’ race. Rainbow Trout won two points in 2014 but Robert Waley-Cohen’s Atomic Tangerine, fourth in a Warwick bumper in October, may be the one for the minor placing.

Harriet Besent’s impressive Impact Area can complete a four-timer in the opening Conditions race. Higham winner Broken Eagle, the fast improving Jepeck and Native Pride, the only horse to beat Ask The Weatherman, are three more to consider but the Hutsbys’ consistent 14-year-old Rash Move, placed in 22 of his 25 races and third in the 2013 Aintree Foxhunter, is the main danger.

Barbury Rings winner Montecito, On Your Max and course winner Wak A Turtle can fight out the finish of the Restricted.

Two Maiden contests complete the card. Combined Services runner-up Crackacan can finally get his head in front in the 3-mile contest. Bingo Tiep, Saruni and The Ibbster are three for the 2m 4f event.

Two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Area Finals in May, begin proceedings at 11.30am, followed by the first of seven point-to-point races at 12.30pm.

Admission: £10 per person, under 16s go free.