03 February 2009 Preview: United Services - Larkhill
MAN FROM HIGHWORTH: may bid to repeat his win in last year's Coronation Gold Cup
The EDS 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 United Services meeting at Larkhill (six races, 154 entries, first race 12.30pm).
The Gold Cup has attracted 29 entries, including Man From Highworth, who put up a stunning performance when sprinting away from top-class opposition 12 months ago, but just failed to last home in more testing conditions at Barbury in January. Marblehead, winner of four races last season including an Exeter Hunter Chase, and We're Confused, winner of four of his five races for in-form Julie Houldey and Dave Mansell could represent the West Midlands, along with Cheltenham Festival winner Burntoakboy, already qualified for this year's Christie's Foxhunter following two Open race wins in the first fortnight of the season. Local flagbearers include Zabenz, who defied a 21-month absence with a stylish win at the Royal Artillery, and Thisthatandtother - another ex-Cheltenham Festival winner - who got owner-rider Jack Barber off the mark at Barbury. Strong stayer Lord Of The Road and stable companion Blu Teen are other possibles. On fast ground, Man From Highworth would be fancied to retain the Cup. Zabenz is also at his best on better ground, but may still fight out the finish with Burntoakboy in more testing conditions.
The five supporting races do justice to the main event. The Intermediate has attracted 16 entries, including Drybrook Bedouin, second in this race last season and a good runner-up at the Royal Artillery, bumper winner Fiddle, Sericina, and Sweden, unbeaten in two outings to date. Top Benefit has won twice this season in facile manner and is confidently selected for the hat-trick.
Labarynth, who provided Polly Gundry's 250th winner at Barbury, is among the 39 entries for the Restricted. The two suggestions are Mymystery Man and Cannington Brook, both winners in sticky ground at the PPORA meeting at Barbury. Cannington Brook ran on strongly when shaken up, albeit over a shorter trip, and gets the vote.
There is a quality 15-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 the Ruckers' choice from Honest Endeavour and Pirate Flagship, and David Staddon's preferred runner from Blu Teen and Lord Of The Road.
Two Maiden divisions complete the card. Isle of Skye and Jaunty are two possibles for Division One. Pingaro De La Vire and Colorado Storm - twice runner-up this season including at the Mid Devon on Sunday - look the two for Division Two.
The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race 12.30pm. Admission is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant; £5 for pedestrians.
