Bristol De Mai backed to go two better at Cheltenham Gold Cup

Nigel Twiston-Davies believes Bristol De Mai – a past winner of Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase – can defy his double-figure price tag for the Gold Cup and build on his third in the blue riband from 12 months ago.

By tom.richmond@jpimedia.co.uk

Published 27th Feb 2020, 06:00 BST

Twiston-Davies said: “He was the best of the British in the race and has he got any worse? I don’t think so. He is in tremendous form.

“I’m just amazed Santini is favourite for the Gold Cup. We were giving him 2lb (at Cheltenham in January) and we were looking all over the winner at the bottom of the hill.

“He slipped on landing and that cost him the race.

“He is 33-1 and Santini is favourite, but I think we have a very good chance.”

Meanwhile, Ascot Chase winner Riders Onthe Storm remains on course to make it four from four this season in the Ryanair Chase.

Twiston-Davies said: “He did all he could and that was win nicely.

“Obviously Cyrname didn’t turn up at the races and they have said Traffic Fluide might have won, but Josh Moore thought he was tired.”

Wetherby