05 February 2008 United Services - Larkhill
Southwestern: leading contender for the Coronation Cup
The EDS Coronation Gold Cup, one of the four National Feature races staged during the Point-to-Point season, holds centre stage at the United Services meeting at Larkhill on Saturday (first race 12:30 pm).
First staged in 1953 in the presence of HM The Queen, the Coronation Cup has attracted its usual high-class entry. Irilut has won the last two National Feature races (2007 Lady Dudley Cup and 2008 Lord Ashton of Hyde's Cup) and will be supported to maintain his quest for a Point-to-Pointing Grand Slam, while Alison Dare's Barbury Castle winner Twenty Degrees and John Manners' facile Royal Artillery winner Man From Highworth are worthy contenders. The three to consider are Gaye Trigger - unbeaten in six points to date - Weatherbys Chase John Corbet winner Southwestern and Alvino, who returned from a long absence to annihilate his field in last year's contest. Alvino and Southwestern may forge clear in the last half-mile, and Southwestern is fancied to just get the better of a fascinating duel.
The five supporting races do justice to the feature event. The Intermediate has attracted 17 entries, including Exceptionnel and Merry Vic, who both impressed when winning the two divisions of the Army Restricted here in January. The three suggestions are Blue Magnum - unbeaten in 2007 but pulled up in the Army Open - and course winners Drybrook Bedouin and Shillingstone, also unbeaten in their two 2007 races. Drybrook Bedouin was unable to take up his Royal Artillery engagement but will be the selection if turning out here.
Francly Flora, who completed a four-timer for Polly Gundry at Black Forest Lodge on Sunday, is among the 30 entries for the Restricted. Other contenders include The Tailor Carey and So Long, both winners this season, and Manmoon, who ran a fine race in defeat at Chipley Park. Lisadell King is a dual course winner this season for Godfrey Maundrell and is fancied to complete a hat trick.
There is a 10-strong entry for the opening United Services Club Members' race for the Earl Haig Cup. Who Else Knew is a Larkhill regular and may fight out the finish with Cattle Class and Charlie Fox's Espresso Forte.
Two Maiden divisions complete the card. Dontellyermother, More The Merrier, Noquieto and Victor Victorious are four possibles for Division One. Cousin John was leading when falling at the Army and looks the one for Division Two.
