made most until headed approaching 2 out, rallied last, stayed on under pressure to lead near finish
held up and behind, headway under pressure before 2 out, effort last, stayed on well run in
in touch until weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, led approaching 2 out, pressed last, kept on under pressure run in
mid-division, ridden and no impression before 2 out, weakened
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance when veered left and right and unseated rider last
always behind, tailed off 3 out, pulled up before last
held up, mistake 6th, effort on outer and mistake 2 out, one pace before last
pressed winner to 3 out, soon weakened
held up, headway on inner from 7th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off
in touch, tracked leader 6th, ridden and one pace approaching 2 out
in rear, well behind 3 out, kept on from 2 out, never reached challenging position
The highly-regarded Covent Garden can make a successful return to the track, his main dangers being Il Cavaliere, Sure Future and Cool Roxy. The Howard Johnson-trained selection, who is part-owned by Alan Shearer, has won his last five races and was strongly fancied to run well in Cheltenham's Coral Cup before connections decided to put him away for the season. An absence of 280 days is a concern, as is the fact that his best form is on good or faster going. However, a mark of 125 does not seem excessive and he looks set to go well. Both of Hersov's wins have come over fences, while Nicky Henderson's other runner, His Song, while still retaining ability, is a shadow of his former high-class self. He is closely-weighted with Il Cavaliere on their Kempton runs in January, although that that runner comes here having had a couple of runs this season. Personal Assurance was beaten from today's mark at Wetherby last time, while Sure Future, eight pounds worse off with His Song for the eight lengths that he beat him at Kempton in December of last year, has been raised three pounds for a Chepstow defeat. However, he should improve for that run and, having proven consistent over hurdles, certainly holds place claims. Master Florian has already won two of his three starts but, already a point to point winner, is viewed as more of a chasing prospect by his trainer. Of the others, Fard du Moulin Mas won from a mark of 134 back in 1999, but has regressed since; Cool Roxy ran well from a revised mark at Cheltenham last time, while Imperial de Thaix, a winner from a mark of 121 in April 2002, would have a chance if being able to get back to that level of form as he is now rated 109. Recent showings though have not been auspicious. They have been for the selection Covent Garden, though, and he gets our vote.
