Addington feature preview – Avon City Ford (New Brighton) Cup

The “Road To the Cup” continues on Friday with the running of the Avon City Ford (New Brighton) Cup at Group 3 level.

The race itself has a fine history with the contest being decided over the 2-mile test extreme distance up until the late 80’s.

Names to appear on the trophy include the near incomparable Lord Module who won in 1980, the brilliant Desperate Comment who won the title in both1994 and 1995, along with Iraklis (1997,1998) and Cool Hand Luke (2002,2003)

In recent years the mighty types Terror To Love and Christen Me traded blows and both came out of the fray with two Cups apiece

It’s a good race with an amazing honor roll.

As for the field this time around…

While attracting a slightly bigger field than the Maurice Holmes Vase there’s much the same feel to this race as last week’s affair with the tried and tested performers at open-class level likely to dictate terms.

Classie Brigade (Bettor’s Delight-Trigirl Brigade) the victor from seven days ago, once again looks hard to bowl from his #1 barrier although early manners will once again need to be present as he does find himself drawn inside Di Caprio and Henry Hubert, both have the potential to lead early.

This trio made the trifecta in the Maurice Holmes Vase and there’s little argument against them doing so again here.

A G’s White Socks was, to my eye, very good over the concluding stages in the “Vase” and should once again be able to feature if  he behaves himself early in this but that continues to be the question. His unruly status may be a help from behind the tapes but also presents the issue of the horse having to expend some energy mid-race to pose a genuine threat late in the contest.

Other chances in the race look limited when you consider the quality of those already mentioned but Kruizr (drawn #8) and Plutonium Lady  (drawn #4) might be the next best two here. Both are very capable types and should be respected.  And then there’s That Alexander Guy who really got home well last week over the final furlong and just seems to be able to step up and bring a real desire to compete week after week.

The feature trot of the night, the Ordeal Trotting Cup is, with little doubt, the real star of the show on the Addington card given the clash between Sundees Son, Midnight Dash, Mataderos and Vacation Hill.. and that’s just to name a few! The trotting feature to go at 7.34pm.

Ben McMillan