Jamie Snowden is gearing up to defend the Coral Gold Cup with Colonel Harry as 31 contenders remain in the running for the prestigious Newbury race following the latest entry stage. Last year, Snowden celebrated victory with Datsalrightgino, and this season’s campaign bears a striking resemblance, with Colonel Harry following a comparable path to the November 30 event.
Not only does Colonel Harry represent the same GD Partnership colours, but his journey mirrors that of Datsalrightgino. A Grade Two winner over fences at Wetherby last season, Colonel Harry shook off the rust with a solid second-place finish in the Colin Parker Memorial at Carlisle. Like his predecessor, the promising seven-year-old will be attempting a longer staying trip for the first time when competing at his home track.
Snowden explained that the decision to give Colonel Harry a preparatory run at Carlisle was intentional, reflecting the approach he took with Datsalrightgino. He noted that both horses share a similar profile, being Grade Two-winning novice chasers primarily racing over shorter distances. Testing Colonel Harry over three miles for the first time, Snowden admitted, brings uncertainty but also potential for significant improvement if the horse handles the extended trip.
Snowden expressed confidence in Colonel Harry’s readiness, stating that stepping him up in distance had always been the plan. He also highlighted the exciting prospects within his stable, with a strong team of horses and promising newcomers poised for success.
Colonel Harry is currently co-favourite for the Coral Gold Cup at 8-1, sharing the top spot with Irish challenger Senior Chief from Henry de Bromhead’s yard. Other notable contenders include Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Broadway Boy at 10-1 and Kim Bailey’s Trelawne at 12-1. However, Bailey has hinted that his Cheltenham Festival winner Chianti Classico is unlikely to participate, prompting his removal from the betting markets.
Coral’s David Stevens emphasised the strong performances of the favourites, noting Colonel Harry’s encouraging return at Carlisle and Senior Chief’s impressive Cheltenham win. With anticipation building, the Coral Gold Cup promises a thrilling showdown as Colonel Harry steps into the spotlight for his bold bid to bring home the trophy.