COOMBE Hill is fancied to land the New Forest Mixed Open for owner Geoff Thompson and trainer Charlotte Tizzard at Larkhill on Saturday.

The former Coronation Cup winner was a good third behind Sybarite and Roulez Cool here in January and looked as good as ever when chasing up Kirkleigh in a Wincanton Hunter Chase.

Alan Hill has a strong hand with King’s Legacy, who was leading when falling at Cottenham, and Ocean Du Moulin, a winner on the first day of the season at the Cambridgeshire venue.

Others to consisder include Wincanton Hunter Chase winner Jayne’s Crusader, the Richard Barber-trained pair, Flanshan and Trueflyingcolours, dual Royal Ascot winner Baddam and the strong staying Offshore Account, but Coombe Hill gets the vote.

The 22 entries for the Novice Riders race include Baddam, Offshore Account, Charlton Horethorne winner Preacher Boy and Deimne, who gave Harriet Besent a dream debut here in February.

Didmarton winner Presentandcorrect, Walter’s Laddie and Battle Bridge are three more for the shortlist.

Barneys Mate is a standing dish in these contests, despite his Kingston St Mary defeat by Turthen, but former Coronation Cup winner Gone To Lunch came out of retirement to finish a close third behind Barneys Mate at Barbary Castle and can turn the tables.

Aintree Foxhunter sixth Sizing America may fill the minor placing.

Two well-supported pony races begin proceedings at 11.30am, followed by the first of six point-to-point races at 12.30pm.

The course is five miles NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, reached off the A303, A345 or A360 (SP4 8QT).

Admission is £10 per person, under 16s go free.