Spot to bid for spectacular sixth

Spot Thedifference is set to bid for an unprecedented sixth victory over Cheltenham’s Cross Country fences on Friday.

Enda Bolger’s incredible 13-year-old won the corresponding race, the Sporting Index Handicap Chase, in 2004.

He can also list a victory at the Festival in 2005 as well as three successive wins over course and distance at the Open meeting in November.

The gelding has struck up a fantastic partnership with amateur rider John Thomas McNamara but even the jockey was surprised by the ease of the pair’s victory last month.

“He’s in great form. He’s been out hunting since his last run and it really freshens him up,” said Bolger.

“He surprised even me with how he won last time...

“He is a two-stone-better horse round the cross-country track.

“He’ll be giving weight away all round but he’s in great nick and I’d have been kicking myself if I hadn’t entered him.”