Combined Services
on 6th February 2022

The feature race of the entire Larkhill season, the Coronation Gold Cup, takes place this coming Sunday at the Combined Services point to point. One of the National Classic races it has a long history with its first running taking place in 1953. Traditionally attracting a high quality field it is a race that many leading horses are targeted at and this year is no exception. Although the entry for the race is smaller than usual it will be a race to savour. The going is currently reported as good and the Clerk of the Course has advised that all of the bends have been moved since the last meeting. With the weather forecast remaining unchanged for the next week this will be an opportunity to enjoy the horse racing as well as the trade stands that will be present as well as having a bet or two with the bookmakers. The first race is scheduled for 12.45pm.

The Coronation Gold Cup includes a previous winner namely Chameron the winner in 2020. Now owned by Nick Sutton and to be ridden by his son Ben he has a very good record at the Wiltshire course but will need to jump better than on his last outing at Buckfastleigh. Maitree Express is a rapidly improving gelding and recorded a comfortable victory in the Mixed Open at the last meeting and must be on the short list. Sixteen Letters was also a winner at the last meeting but he does also hold an entry in a Hunter Chase at Wincanton on Thursday. Paul Nicholls has entered Rhythm is a Dancer, the winner of three chases and four hurdles, for his daughter Olive to ride. Caid du Berlais brings the rest form to the race having won the Punchestown Champion Hunter Chase on two occasions and he may be the one to give Maitree Express a battle to the line.

The Ladies Conditions race has attracted the biggest entry of the card with a total of 24 horses including Sixteen Letters mentioned above. Fan Club Aulmes was a good winner for Amber Fennell-Jackson at the last meeting but he might run in the Novice Riders race. Both Champagne Lily and Largy Mountain have yet to run this season but both bring good form. The former named won four point to points when in the care of Phil Rowley but did not distinguish herself when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies when she was switched under Rules. Now back in the care of Phil Rowley   a return to pointing might bring about a return to form. Largy Mountain won three of five starts last season for Fran Nimmo and could give Alice Stevens a good ride. Others to consider are the mare Minim Mouse the likely ride for Chloe Emsley, Ange des Malberaux and Robin des People, placed second and third at the recent Heythrop meeting and Cheltenham Mati the likely mount of Lily Bradstock.

The Novice Riders race which is the first race of the day has 23 entries including several entered in the Ladies Conditions race. Sametegal brings the best form from his National Hunt days but he unseated Olive Nicholls at the seventh fence on his pointing debut.  With a clear round he might prove difficult to beat but Molineaux is proving to be an ideal schoolmaster for Freddie Gingell having given him his first winning ride at Buckfastleigh. He has already beaten Captain Buck’s at the Larkhill Racing Club meeting and there is no reason to suppose that the form will be reversed. Looksnowtlikebrian won at Barbury Castle under Oisin Radford and has been placed since. Paul Nicholls also has a share in Virak who gave his daughter Olive a fall at Cocklebarrow but this normal reliable jumper might be the choice if he is chosen to run. 

The Restricted race includes three horses who have already won their Maiden races this season. Oval Street won well at Higham, Patch Me Up won the first race of the season at Pyle and Olly Norse won a two-runner affair at Larkhill in November. Subsequently placed second behind Footloose in a Restricted he is clearly progressing. Best to Come won at Bratton for the late Jason Warner last May whereas Ballymac Boy was runner up in a Restricted at Revesby Park. Arcal Fifty runs well at his local course and was runner up in his Hunt race at the last meeting. In an open looking race Olly Norse is a tentative choice.

The meeting concludes with two Maiden races the first a Conditions race over two and a half miles. Allo Allo was no match for Satellite Receiver at the last meeting but it is unlikely that there will be anything of that calibre in this race and he ought to be good enough. Monty Searle was runner up at Badbury but ran off the course at Milborne last weekend and may need to be watched. Spectacular Rival was fourth in a Restricted race at Higham and this is a drop in class for him. Frisson Collonges and The Whiskey Man were third and fourth in a Maiden at Cocklebarrow and come into the reckoning but Allo Allo is the selection.

Michael Kehoe responsible for Allo Allo has Dinah Washington entered in the three-mile Maiden. A very distant runner up to the useful Hugueneau at the Larkhill Racing Club meeting he could improve on that run. Flying Colum was runner up to Footloose and that form has been franked by that gelding’s exploits. Next One Please trained by Chris Barber is entitled to come on for his run at Buckfastleigh and he is unlikely to find the going as testing. Santos Blue fell at the second last when closing at the Avon Vale meeting and if none the worse for this could be the main one to trouble Flying Colum. Both Stradmallan and Dorset Diamond bring form into this race which looks competitive.

Larkhill Racecourse is to be found 5m NW of Amesbury, Nr A303, A345 and A360 – Postcode SP4 8QR. .  First race 12.45pm   www.pointingwessex.co.uk Entry Costs on race day £12.50 per person by cash or card, race cards £3, children go free