Coverholder was put up 11lb for winning a seller at Catterick but he did finish a long way ahead of third Gumnd and subsequent course and distance winner Copt Hill and should confirm that form. OLD MAGIC has only managed one career win in 29 starts but that did come on soft ground at Chepstow earlier this season and he hinted at a revival when fourth on that course last month. He gets a tentative vote today as Prince Blackthorn reverted to type at Wetherby on Boxing Day and Indubitably has been well below par this term, though is fairly treated if rediscovering his best.
My Friend Riquet (FR) 66-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, lost place 8th, tailed off 3 out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Cock Of The Rock (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jul, 9 ran.
Old Magic (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Led, headed before 2nd, chased leaders, no extra from last, 4th of 10, 5l behind Lady Bridget (10-6) at Chepstow 2m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Jan.
Gumnd (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, driven after 3 out, ridden to take 3rd between last 2, kept on same pace, no impression with front pair, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Coverholder (10-1) at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Dec.
Indubitably 20-1 (10-12) Soon mid-division, no extra from before 3 out, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Doc Hollywood (11-9) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl 80-95 sft in Nov.
Prince Blackthorn (IRE) 13-2 (10-3) Led, headed 3 out, driven and one pace from next, 5th of 10, 46l behind Saroque (11-9) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Dec.
Copt Hill 25-1 (10-3) Made all, ridden before last, kept on, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) hvy in Jan beating Furius (10-2) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Coverholder (IRE) 11-4fav (10-1) Held up mid-division, headway 3 out, led next, pressed last, soon ridden, edged right and kept on towards finish, won at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Dec beating Topo Gigio (10-8) by 2 1/4l, 10 ran.
Brukirk Lass 40-1 (10-9) Mid-division, chased leaders 3rd, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 13, 48l behind Niki Royal (11-2) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Jan.
Jamaddji 80-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, headway 8th, weakened next, pulled up after, in a race won by No Deal (11-0) at Ayr 3m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Jan, 7 ran.