CHELTENHAM SATURDAY

THISTLECRACK is still a 7/2 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup following his easy victory (at 1/7) in the mallardjewellers.com Novices’ Chase over the extended three miles and a furlong at Cheltenham on Saturday. There will be probably be a major reaction when the World Hurdle champion takes on a much stronger field but Colin Tizzard will not be rushing him and it may not happen until Kempton over Christmas.

Here, in a four-runner contest, he looked impressive despite mistakes at both ditches. Taking over from Marinero at the 11th, he quickly went clear and coasted home for Tom Scudamore, though Marinero stuck on well and was under four lengths adrift at the line.

“I think he needs another run at the Hennessy meeting, preferably with about 10 runners,’’ Tizzard observed. “Then we’ll see where we go at Kempton - the Feltham Novices’ or the King George. If we’re going big after Kempton he certainly needs more experience.”

Thistlecrack’s stable-companion, Viconte Du Noyer, followed up at 20/1 in the marathon Grade 3 BetVictor Handicap Chase. Harry Cobden, always close up, led approaching two out and, although joined by Warrantor, coaxed a game response from the winner, who scored by a length with Minella Rocco right behind and Tizzard’s Fourth Act fittingly fourth.

It is no reflection on Henry de Bromhead that Viconte Du Noyer, who was moved by owners Ann and Alan Potts, triumphed over a considerably longer trip than usual. Tizzard also dispensed with the tongue-tie, regularly employed before.

The horse may simply have appreciated a long rest over the summer. He looks a Welsh Grand National type now, while Shotgun Paddy (seventh) is also ready to run a big race at Chepstow, if quickly over the loss of blood from his nose.

DEFI DU SEUIL

Barry Geraghty needed a prestigious winner and it arrived in the opening Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle when Philip Hobbs’ Defi Du Seuil proved too good for Diable De Sivola.

The principals are both French-bred three-year-olds and the winner, now owned by J. P. McManus, had scored a bloodless victory at Ffos Las after promising plenty in the French provinces.

Defi Du Seuil will be even better on very soft ground, in which case Chepstow’s valuable Finale Hurdle may be next.

Sophie Leech’s 20/1 chance Anteros took the three-mile handicap Hurdle under a canny ride from Paul Townend, who kept him wide and delayed his challenge until the last, where Anteros quickly went away to beat Corrin Wood by seven lengths.

The layers also had no complaints when Suzy Smith’s Clondaw Cian, 12/1, quickened up well for Sean Bowen in the intermediate handicap hurdle. The judge decided it was impossible to split Irish Roe and My Khaleesi in the mares’ bumper.