SALISBURY Racecourse's richest ever race is the centrepiece of its annual two-day August meeting which opens on Wednesday, writes Mike Turner.

The Sovereign Stakes, now in its fourth year, takes place the following day with £50,000 up for grabs to the winner.

Prize money for the Listed race for three-year-olds and upwards, has more than doubled since its inception.

Clerk of the course Jeremy Martin said: "There is no doubt that increasing the value to £40,000 last year resulted in a bigger and better quality field."

Twelve months ago Pat Dobbs edged the Richard Hannon-trained Priors Lodge over the line first in what proved an enthralling contest.

"It was in many people's eyes the race of the season at Salisbury," added Martin. "With only 100 yards to go, six of the nine runners were in a line across the track. Fantastic stuff."

As well as hoping this year's race will prove equally exciting, Martin believes the race is destined for bigger things.

"It is hoped that a £50,000 race will again be well supported, particularly in quality, as the race is under serious consideration to be upgraded next year to a Group Three race," he revealed..

"Salisbury deserves a Group race (the next level up from a Listed race) but it will be the decision of the European Race Pattern Committee."

Wednesday's meeting, which starts at 2.30pm, features two Listed races - the £45,000 EBF Upavon Fillies' Stakes and the £30,000 Stonehenge Stakes, helping to take the total prize money over the two days to more than £180,000.

Thursday's meeting starts at 2.20pm with the Downs Maiden Stakes. Admission each day is £5 (course), £10 (Tattersalls) and £16 (Members). Accompanied children are admitted free.

Last year's Sovereign Stakes winner Priors Lodge, now with Marcus Tregoning, will not be defending its victory at Salisbury as it is being kept for a Group Two race at Goodwood later in the month.

Salisbury Racecourse chairman, Michael Wates, may have a runner in Passing Glance - a winner at Salisbury as a two-year-old in June 2001. Trained by Andrew Balding, the horse won the Vodafone Corporate Handicap Stakes on Oaks day at Ascot on June 6.