Natal could bypass Cheltenham in favour of a crack at the Topham Trophy over the Grand National fences after plundering the Connaught Gold Cup at Newbury.

Cryptic came home like an odds-on favourite should when thumping his six rivals by upwards of 24 lengths in the Connaught plc "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Newbury.

Punters can look forward to a bumper day tomorrow with top-class racing at three jumps tracks, but the bet of the day is Truckers Tavern in the Bet Direct Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock.