'Big Run' expected from Flow

Paul Nicholls is looking forward to a “big run” from Strong Flow in tomorrow’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

When the eight-year-old lines up in chasing’s blue riband, he will be having only his third run since returning from a serious injury.

Impressive winner of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in November 2003, Strong Flow fractured a knee when winning the Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park the following month.

He returned with a run over hurdles at Warwick in January, finishing an encouraging third to Celtic Son, and he then ran a fine race back over fences when runner-up to the ill-fated Farmer Jack in the Aon Chase at Newbury last month.

Nicholls said: “He had only done a limited amount of fast work before Newbury, but everything has gone smoothly since and we are looking for a big run.”

His rider Ruby Walsh also believes Strong Flow has a “terrific chance”.

“People have made a lot of the fact that Strong Flow has no experience of the Cheltenham fences, but his jumping is his strength and I have no worries on that score,” he said.

“If he improves again from his Aon run – and I am sure he will – he must have a terrific chance.”