11 March 2009 Preview: New Forest - Larkhill
BOWDENS LANE: A contender for the Coronation Gold Cup
The rescheduled Coronation Gold Cup, one of the season's four national Classic races and a Brightwells Insurance Order of Excellence Race, is the highlight of Saturday's New Forest meeting at Larkhill (six races, 187 entries, first race 12.30pm), although two pony races - qualifiers for the Wessex Series Final - take place before racing, the first at 11.00am.
The Gold Cup has attracted 29 entries, including Man From Highworth, a real Larkhill specialist who sprinted away from top-class opposition in last year's contest. Bowden's Lane, winner of the Lord Ashton of Hyde's Cup classic in January, but a disappointment at Buckfastleigh on Sunday, and We're Confused, winner of four of his seven races, could represent the powerful Julie Houldey/Dave Mansell combination. Polly Gundry could partner Taunton hunter chase winner Nobody Tells Me or Kiama, who started favourite but pulled up in the same race, while Wincanton hunter chase winner Who Else Knew and Larkhill standing dish Trade Off must be on any shortlist. Man From Highworth is fancied to retain the Cup, but Coombe Hill, who quickened away from Brown Cockle at Ottery St Mary, and Gaelsbob and Distant Thunder, who were separated by a neck over course and distance in January, will all put up a strong challenge.
There is an 18-strong entry for the opening Confined race, including last year's winner Braeroy, who stayed on resolutely to win at Charlton Horethorne on Sunday. Course specialists Lile Na Casca and Coral Cay enter calculations, along with Hi Fi and Silver Monarch, who both ran creditably on Sunday. Braeroy will be the selection if taking up the engagement. Drybrook Bedouin, runner-up in his two outings to date this season, and Tyneham, who was second at Badbury Rings in February, may provide the closest opposition.
Thisthatandtother is unbeaten in three 2009 outings and is a confident selection for the Novice Riders' race. East Lawyer, who sprinted to get up close home at Tweseldown, Gemster and Diamond Monroe may be three to consider for the places.
The older horse Maiden has attracted 36 entries. Ottery runner-up Elevenses, the consistent Max's Choice and newcomer Vico may contest the finish.
The 2½ mile Open Maiden has 43 entries and could be difficult to solve. Allerford Jack, a promising fourth at Great Trethew, and Horseheath runner-up Blue Rebel have chances, but Moscow Mule was unlucky when disqualified at Dunthrop and looks the one.
Benarchat won his Maiden in effortless style at Badbury Rings - the runner-up, Ashclyst, franked the form by winning on Sunday - and is selected to follow up in the Restricted. Woodbridge Quest and recent winners Turnworth and The Last Optimist look the main dangers.
The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race 12.30 pm. Admission is £20 per car including all occupants; £15 car and driver only; £5 pedestrians.
