THISTLECRACK’s invincibility was punctured by the gallant Many Clouds at Cheltenham on Saturday, but it’s hard to quantify the form.

Before the race, if you were given a result that he would beat Smad Place by 17 lengths, you would be more than happy.

His jumping was adequate, it was hardly the cause of his defeat and it’s perhaps not necessarily a negative that he tends to jump high instead of taking a chance when not meeting one perfectly.

The case was offered that his stamina ran out but if you watch last year’s World Hurdle, and know he was still on the bridle well up the run-in, it’s hard to believe that he would not stay the Gold Cup distance. Six weeks rest and better ground could still make him the Gold Cup choice.

It’s also strange that no favourite has won this race since Cyfor Malta 1999. Looks Like Trouble is the only winner to go on and win the Gold Cup in 20 years so defeat may not be the negative that many made it out to be.