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KARSHAAN: the selection in the Tedworth Gold Cup
photo: Tim Holt

Karshaan can continue his rise through the ranks by taking the coveted Tedworth Gold Cup at Barbury Racecourse on Sunday.

The Peter Shaw-trained eight-year-old finished third at Chipley Park in January, but has since notched up effortless wins at Badbury Rings and Larkhill. Opposition could include 2010 hero Commander Vic, who has failed to finish since last year's facile success, and Christie's Foxhunter runners Mount Benger (pulled up at Cheltenham), Noakarad De Verzee (11th), and Reach For The Top (a last fence faller after running prominently throughout). Pingaro De La Vire, who is unbeaten in three 2011 outings and Reach for The Top, who was third in the 2010 Christie‘s Foxhunter, look the two to test Karshaan.

Cheltenham faller Description could face Sarah West's prolific Ask Again in the Ladies' Open. Description put up two fine performances at Larkhill earlier in the season, but Ask Again is a resolute stayer who will be suited by the Barbury course. Monkerty Tunkerty has won both his races for Exford trainer-rider Jess Westwood and may be a longer priced alternative to give the two principals plenty to think about.

Rustic John made all at Larkhill and will be fancied for the Confined race. The front running Ghonny Withthebowe and course winners Nycteos and New Series are three others to consider. Carthys Cross has not won for six years, but the 12-year-old made a pleasing first appearance for Dan and Caroline Dennis at Charing in January and may give punters a sporting run for their money.

Mount Benger and Nycteos are among the 23 entries for the Novice Riders race and must be considered if connections take this option. However, Posh Dude beat the prolific Start Royal in a Cottenham Men's Open in January and gets the vote.

The Restricted looks a competitive affair with 15 entries, but Betavix was third at Whitfield and can provide another win for Mike and Ben Tuckey.

Two Maiden contests complete the card. Viking Johnson was third at Eyton-on-Severn and can take the 2m4f contest for Don Constable and Zoe Hammond. Owston Ferry has been runner-up in his last two races and can go one better in the 3m race.

The course is 3 miles NW of Marlborough, off the A346 or A4361 (SN8 1RS). First race: 12.30pm. Admission: £10 per head; under 16s free.

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