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VINTAGE CLASS: impressive form this season and fancied to win at Larkhill
photo: Tim Holt

The Coronation Gold Cup Mens Open, one of the season's four national Classic races, highlights Saturday's Combined Services meeting at Larkhill (eight races, 146 Entries, first race 11.25am). 

The Gold Cup has attracted 18 Entries, including Man From Highworth, who sprinted away from top-class opposition three years ago to secure the prize. Camilla Scott has a strong hand with last year's fourth Southwestern, who returned to winning ways at the Mid Devon, alongside Gone To Lunch, a popular winner on the same card following a near-fatal illness last summer.

According To John, winner of six consecutive races and third to Denman at the Cheltenham Festival in his early career, Otage De Brion, who won two 2010 Bangor Novice Chases and dual 2011 Pointing winner Divine Intavention are contenders. Vintage Class put in a superb performance at Milborne St Andrew on Sunday and is a must for the short list if making a quick reappearance, but Gone To Lunch is the selection if facing the starter. Vintage Class is the main danger but Man From Highworth is the obvious alternative on fast ground.

Coombe Hill, a deserved winner of the 2010 Coronation Gold Cup for Charlotte Tizzard when the race was run as a Mixed Open, is entered for this year's Ladies contest. The 14 Entries include Description and Theatre Diva, who were first and second - with Coombe Hill in third - here in January, Here's Johnny, who beat Theatre Diva in an Exeter Hunter Chase last season and Chiaro, who was runner-up in his first Point-to-Point over 3m5f at Dunthrop. Coombe Hill would be a very popular winner if adding the Earl Haig Cup to his collection, but Theatre Diva is the suggestion.

Gold Heart was a Larkhill standing dish early last season and can get back on the winning trail in the opening Club Members race. Charing winner What Of It, Lord Attica and Sheknowsyouknow may contest the minor placings.

The Intermediate, which is confined to Novice Riders, has attracted 12 Entries. Dualla Lord was impressive here in January and is confidently expected to double up.

Bold Chief stands out in the Restricted after finishing a good runner-up in Dualla Lord's January contest. Stable companions Flanshan and Mister Twirley look the two for the places.

Two Maiden contests feature on the card. Whitfield runner-up Briery Star and Cativo, who pulled up on debut at Black Forest Lodge, are sporting suggestions for the mares race. Glass'n A Half, I'm The Article, Marshal Zhukov and Strawberry Hill are four to consider in the horses and geldings event.

The King's Troop RHA Club Members race has been transferred from the abandoned Royal Artillery fixture and will be run as the final race. This is always a light betting heat but Blackadder, a lucky winner last season after two rivals departed at the last, can follow up.

The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, near the A303, A345 and A360. First race 11.25am. Admission is £15 per car and driver; £5 per additional adult; £5 pedestrians.

To hear all updates supplied throughout the week and on the morning of the meeting, call the Talking Point news line on 09068 44 60 61*.

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