LESS than two months ago, if you tried to suggest that a certain horse, last seen finishing a poor 19 lengths last of three in a novice chase at Huntingdon last March, would now be in consideration for the blue riband of steeplechasing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, you might be guaranteed the same reception as one suggesting what a great job Boris Johnson has done as Prime Minister of Great Britain.

But of course Boris is still there! Will Royal Pagaille, now a general 8/1 to 10/1 for the Gold Cup, be there by March 12th?