Red Merlin lands Old Newton Cup for  Cox

Report: Haydock, Saturday

Bet365 Old Newton Cup (Heritage Handicap) 1m4f, 4yo+

RED MERLIN maintained trainer Clive Cox's fantastic run of form in 2009 when landing the Bet365 Old Newton Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

The progressive four-year-old, who was completing a hat-trick here, was settled expertly in midfield by Philip Robinson as Laterly set a decent tempo upfront under Micky Fenton.

As the front-runner tired it was the Ian Williams-trained Munsef who burst clear after accompanying Red Merlin throughout the race. The 25-1 chance appeared to be travelling well, but was soon picked off by the impressive Red Merlin, who returned as 15-2 joint-favourite.

Mezzanisi ran on for third place at 9-1 for Michael Bell and Jamie Spencer.

Robinson said: "He took a while [to mature] because we always knew he had ability. He travelled nicely and was exactly where I wanted him.

"I pressed the button and he picked up, which I thought he would because he was travelling so well. He is a bit of a lad but I think he's getting over it."

Cox added: "I won this race a couple of years ago with Dansili Dancer and I am pleased we gave Royal Ascot a miss and came here and it is nice to win it again.

"He was a bit tight in his muscles after Goodwood so we waited for this and Philip gave him a great ride.

"The better the race, the better the pace which suits him as he can be a bit keen.

"He is progressing now he has got a bit of confidence and Philip is of the opinion that he will get better."

Cox had no firm plans in mind but did not rule out a crack at the Totesport Ebor at York next month, although he said: "The handicapper will have a view now so we will have to see, but I would hope he is better than a handicapper."

Falcativ, who shared favouritism with Red Merlin, was unable to add to trainer Luca Cumani's impressive record in the race. Cumani, who saddled a double at Sandownon Saturday, won the race three times between 2004-2008.