Unsinkable Boxer earned a B-plus as he underwent his first chasing test at Uttoxeter yesterday. Only an error at the second-last fence prevented the nine-year-old gaining top marks on his introduction to the larger obstacles.

Bookmakers remained largely unmoved with Coral and Ladbrokes leaving Unsinkable Boxer's Gold Cup price unchanged at 12 to 1. William Hill offer the same price after trimming him two points.

The gelding, a winner of all his five outings last season, had been off the course since sustaining a stress fracture when winning at Aintree last April.

Sent off a 1-3 chance for the Hog Roast Novices' Chase, Unsinkable Boxer was always travelling sweetly for Tony McCoy.