The Coronation Gold Cup is the highlight of the Combined Services meeting to be held at Larkhill this coming Sunday subject to authority being given by the BHA for horse racing to recommence after the outbreak of equine flu last week. One of the Classic point to point races it boasts a total prize money of £2000 with £1000 to the winner making it one of the most valuable point to point races to be held this season. After several days of rain at the Wiltshire course the going has eased and is currently described as good. 114 entries have been received for the 6 scheduled races which are preceded by the running of King’s Troop race which is due off at 12.00. With 30 trade stands booked with lots of food and fresh coffee available all bodes well for a good day’s racing.

The Coronation Gold Cup which is now a Mixed Open race has attracted a high class entry of 18 horses with trainer Rose Loxton holding a strong hand with both Caid Du Berlais and Monsieur Gibraltar the highest rated horses. Caid du Berlais also holds an entry for a Hunter Chase at Fakenham on Friday and if he is directed to that race then Monsieur Gibraltar might continue his tremendous record at Larkhill. Already with two wins to his name this season he is in fine form and is forming a good partnership with Harriet Tucker. Potential opponents may be last year’s winner Brackloon High but he disappointed on his seasonal debut, Cousin Pete who was third in last season’s Foxhunters but has not found his form yet and Abricot De l’Oasis the runner up to Stellar Notion in a strong Men’s Open in January. Navanman brings some excellent form from his outings this season and he may be the one to give Monsieur Gibraltar the most to do in a fascinating race.

The opening race, the Conditions for Novice Riders, may give Matthew Fielding another victory for his boss Seamus Mullins who owns Adrenalin Flight trained by Sally Rawlins. The winner of the Hunt race at the last meeting the 13 year old gelding is in fine form and enjoys his racing at Larkhill. Potential opponents amongst the 23 entries include another previous winner at Larkhill Storm Lantern to be ridden by Jennifer Harbison, Thereyarsee, another with a good record at Larkhill and likely to be ridden by Liam Harrison, Network Rouge who was a good second at Cocklebarrow and Chill Factor who ought to improve following his return to racing at Chipley Park after nearly two years off.

The Restricted race for which 19 horses have been entered may see Raging Fire attempt to step up from his initial success in a Maiden at Chipley Park. Part of the riding treble that day for Will Biddick the 6 year old gelding is trained by Mike Felton for his mother Phyllis and Teresa Dufosee and looks a very promising sort. Country Legend won her Maiden at the last Larkhill meeting but this looks a stronger race. Dr Rhythm won well at Holnicote when trained by Tom Malone but was a disappointment when he raced for Paul Nicholls and it will be interesting to see whether Keith Cumings can rekindle his enthusiasm. Desert Retreat and Inmyday are both trained by Alan Hill and his selection comes into consideration. Sophie Lacey adds to the interest in this race with her four year old Stowaway gelding Tea Clipper who would be making his racecourse debut in this race.

The Conditions Race could see another appearance of Blackwater Bramble at Larkhill. Already the winner of two races this season at Larkhill for rider John Smith-Maxwell and trained by his sister Alex Dunn he could complete the course hat trick in this race. Coco Live has already two victories to his name this season but this is tougher. Fly West and One Big Love could be the main dangers to Blackwater Bramble- Fly West will be making his seasonal debut and may need the race whereas One Big Love unseated Liam Harrison at Chipley last month. Robin de Boss was a revelation last season and should be fitter after his seasonal debut at Chaddesley Corbett.

The Maiden Conditions race sponsored by Caterpillar Defense which is open to horses who have run in at least four point to point races may see Ballyjim finally get his head in front. Trained by Jade Barber and owned by Bill Dupont he was a narrow second in January and that form may be good enough. Sliver Louna looked the winner in another incident packed Maiden until being caught on the line by Hello Jazz. Draft Pick was placed in two Maidens last season and is now in the care of James Ridley. Order in Court was second in three races last season whereas Mahler Style now in the care of Alan Walter has been placed in Maidens in both Ireland and England.

The concluding race, the Open Maiden, sponsored by Leonardo also holds an entry for Ballyjim but if he opts for the previous race then those for the short list should include Airlander, runner up at Larkhill in December, Mankala who looked very unlucky when unseating Nick Phillips at the second last when well clear last month, Twist on Ginge who was travelling well until stumbling and unseating his rider Jamie Nield at Chipley Park and Schiap Hill placed in three Bumpers to date and will be making his fencing debut. Mankala is the choice to make amends for his unseat last time.