Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato at Rolex 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.
While the East Coast takes a deep breath this weekend in between big spring events, the West Coast holds one of its most important spring CIC3* competitions at Galway Downs. Situated four weeks out from Rolex, many of the West Coast riders will use this as final prep run before making the long trip out to Kentucky.
For the CIC3*, the dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B. Ian Stark is the cross country course designer, and Michael Jay Curtis will be designing the show jumping
TOP THREE
1. Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato: Revitavet Capato is returning to the level for the first time since undergoing colic surgery in August. This pair led the dressage at Rebecca Farm last summer and are one of the top combinations on the West Coast. They are also entered to compete at Rolex.
Revitavet Capato averages a 48.8 on this particular test, which should put them near the lead after the first phase. Although this will be the first time they have jumped a Michael Roy Curtis course, an average of two rails and a time penalty may bump them down a bit. They will make it up over Ian Stark’s course, as they average only 7.6 time penalties when he is the course designer. Jordan and Revitavet Capato should return to the scene with a bang, winning on a score in the mid-60s.
2. Barb Crabo and Eveready: Barb and her stalwart partner Eveready are gearing up for the trip to Rolex, making this their final prep event. Eveready has excelled at this venue over the years, including a big win in the 2014 CCI3*.
This horse averages a 55.6 on this particular test, which isn’t quite as good as their overall average. Eveready has yet to see a Michael Roy Curtis course, but averages one rail and one time penalty overall. A quick round with an average of 8 time penalties over Ian’s courses will bump them up to second, finishing on a score in the mid-to-high 60s.
Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo courtesy of Rare Air Photography.
3. Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against: Rise Against is another long-time campaigner who will also be showing up in Kentucky in a month’s time. This horse’s major strength is his jumping prowess, which will put him in good stead this weekend.
Rise Against averages a 67.3 on this test, so will end up chasing the leaderboard. He’ll make up a lot of ground in the stadium; these two jumped a double clear over Michael’s course at Copper Meadows, which is par for the course with them. An average of 11.6 time penalties over Ian Stark’s courses will bump them further up. Bunnie and Rise Against should finish in third place, with a score in the 70s.
Mackenna Shea and Landioso at Galway Downs. Photo by Jenni Autry.
THE SPOILER
Mackenna Shea and Landioso: Another pair headed for Rolex this spring, Mackenna and Landioso usually find themselves near the top of the leaderboard at the end of the weekend. Stellar in the dressage phase and often a tidy jumper, Mackenna and Landioso also tends to put in clear cross country rounds. However, Ian Stark courses have caught them out in the past. If Mackenna and Landi can come home with a clear round this weekend, look for them at the top of the leaderboard.
Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sally Spickard.
ADVANCED
Number of Horses: 8
Pairs to Watch:
- Heather Morris and Charlie Tango
- Sara Sellmer and TF Kreisler
- Tamie Smith and Wembley
