Kingscliff strengthens Gold Cup claims

Kingscliff did enough to persuade his trainer Robert Alner that he was ready to take on the big boys when he maintained his unbeaten record in the Tripleprint Chase at Cheltenham today.

The 4-7 favourite may not have scored in the manner that some of the hype in the run-up suggested he might, but in defeating Haut Cercy by six lengths he still looked a genuine contender for championship honours.