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Coney Island on course to test Gold Cup claims in Ascot Chase

3 minute read

Coney Island is on track for a return to Berkshire for the Betfair Ascot Chase on February 17.

Coney Island
Coney Island Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

The seven-year-old, who was a Grade One winner as a novice, claimed a graduation chase at the course in December on his return from a year on the sidelines.

Eddie Harty's charge is one of 19 entries for the Grade One along with the Colin Tizzard-trained Cue Card, who is seeking a third win in the race.

"Coney Island is in good form at the moment and he has come out of his latest run at Ascot really well," said Harty.

"We'll see how he is in the next couple of weeks, but I would think that we would aim for the Ascot Chase. That is the plan and we are very pleased with him at the moment.

"The race fits nicely into the programme and he won nicely at the track last time over the distance. It is a very good race in its own right and he will be up against strong opposition, so it should be a good test.

"He goes on any ground except probably extreme conditions, so the ground won't be any real concern for him.

"He's won a Grade One before (Drinmore), so running in a Grade One race like this against some good horses doesn't faze us as he has shown that he can handle these sort of races; he's Grade One material.

"The Cheltenham Gold Cup is definitely on our minds and he is entered, but we'll see how he gets on in his next race as that should leave a clearer picture as to where we stand."

Cue Card, who claimed the race in 2013 and 2017, could be joined by stablemate Fox Norton, who was last seen when disappointing in the King George at Christmas.

Top Notch is a possible for Nicky Henderson, while Malcolm Jefferson has entered both Waiting Patiently and Cloudy Dream.

Paul Nicholls can pick from Frodon, Clan Des Obeaux, Art Mauresque and Saphir Du Rheu, and Tom George could run God's Own.

Speredek, second to Un De Sceaux in the Clarence House Chase, Kylemore Lough and Go Conquer are also engaged.

The sponsors have installed Top Notch as their 11-4 favourite, with Coney Island at 3-1 and Waiting Patiently a 7-2 chance.


At The Races

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