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Premier Magic and Porlock Bay, two Cheltenham Festival contenders who served up an outstanding finish to the men’s open race at Chaddesley Corbett, are reported to be in A1 fettle

Claire Sherriff, whose partner Bradley Gibbs trains and rides Premier Magic, said: “There’s not a mark on the horse. He’s been out in his paddock and is kicking and bucking.” Sherriff added that the stable’s other potential Festival runner, Highway Jewel, could make her season’s debut at Buckfastleigh on Sunday week.

Will Biddick, who trains and rides Porlock Bay – who won the Festival Hunters’ Chase last season – was also able to give a positive report. Biddick said: “We turned him out for a couple of days after his run and he’s clearly feeling well in himself. He had a really good blow after the race, and while you cannot take anything away from the winner, who was the best horse on the day, I would definitely take him on again.

“There’s no pressure to make decisions about where and when to run him again, because this time he’s qualified for Cheltenham. I’ll discuss things with his owner [John Studd] and we’ll make a plan, but a run towards the end of the month might be an option.”