LARKHILL hosts one of the season’s Classic races on Sunday when the Coronation Gold Cup Men's Open is the feature race of the Combined Services meeting, writes Bob Bracher.

A high-quality entry of 14 horses has been received for the Coronation Gold Cup.

Impact Area, already twice a winner this season at Larkhill, has obvious credentials, as has Join Together, placed this season in good races at Larkhill.

Jack Barber has entered Buck’s Bond, but he has an entry at Wincanton and might opt for that race. John and Floss Symes have entered both Parkham Jack and Steeltown, who could be considered on their best form.

Warne is a high class horse, having won at Aintree and should give Sam Waley-Cohen a good chance of lifting the prize.

Divine Intavention is a consistent performer, but Templebraden, an impressive winner at the last Larkhill meeting, is chosen to continue his good form for owner Jack McGrath.

The first race is the Combined Services Club Members. Premier Portrait, successful three times already this season for Gus Levinson, is taken to make up for losing his last race when his rider omitted to weigh in.

The Restricted features a number of recent winners including Black Banjo, Mystery Edition, Overland Flyer and Wotzizname.

A chance is taken with Steel Brush, a very impressive winner last season at Kingston St Mary.

The Ladies Open may see the return of Sagalyrique, winner at Cottenham on the opening day of the season, who runs best on a right-hand course.

The meeting concludes with two Maiden races. There is little form to go on in the Young Maiden race, with only Dunn’s River, placed second on his point-to-point debut, having run before. He must have every chance of going one better, but Tom Lacey may hold the key to the race as he has entered two four-year-olds, Boagrius and Cirano De Sivola, and his chosen representative may be good enough.

The final race, the Open Maiden, has received an entry of 17 horses. Swincombe Scorchio, who ran so well when second to Thereyarsee here, looks to have an obvious chance.

The meeting gets underway with the King’s Troop RHA Club Members race at 11.15am. Admission is £10 per person, U16s free. The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, reached via the A303, A360 or A345 (SP4 8QT).