4:00PM, JAN 23 2021
Glenview Stud s Blue Bresil looks to have a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender after the Venetia Williams-trained Royale Pagaille sluiced up in the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock on Saturday under top weight.
Ridden by Tom Scudamore, Royale Pagaille defied 11st 10lb to come home on his own and earn quotes for a range of festival options, notably the Gold Cup, for which he is now mainly 10-1 and challenging for second-favouritism behind dual winner Al Boum Photo.
If he takes his chance at Prestbury Park next month, he will be bidding to follow in the footsteps of his sire s previous Cheltenham winner in Grand Annual victor Le Prezien.