Ascot Return Could Be Next For Coney Island JP McManus' exciting 2016 Drinmore Chase winner Coney Island is beginning to emerge as a realistic Gold Cup contender. The 7-Y-O returned from almost a year on the sidelines to put up an impressive performance in last month's Sodexo Graduation Chase at Ascot and a return to the Berkshire venue is one of two options being considered by connections. Frank Berry (McManus' racing manager) told the Irish Times: "His next run will either be at Leopardstown (Irish Gold Cup) or Ascot (Ascot Chase) next month. I'd say we will decide closer to the time." "He's had only four races over fences so we'll be trying to give him the easiest option we can." "He missed a lot of last year and missed out on a lot of experience. It's hard to catch up on that. but he's come out of his last race in good form." The Unibet Irish Gold Cup takes place at Leopardstown on Sunday 4th February while the Betfair sponosred race at Ascot is on Saturday 17th February.
