Giant impresses in Cheltenham Grade 3

The Giant Bolster spreadeagled the field in the Grade 3, Murphy Group Chase at Cheltenham this afternoon.

David Bridgwater's inmate had always promised to win another good pot and an aggressive ride from the front by Tom Scudamore showed exactly what he is capable of.

He took a little time for his jumping to hit top gear but the seven-year-old had the whole field in trouble at the top of the hill as Scudamore allowed him to bowl clear from the fourth last.

He had a massive advantage off the home turn and two fantastic leaps in the straight saw him thrash Poquelin (8/1) by 17 lengths at the odds of 7/2.

The latter travelled well into the race but had no answer as the winner roared away while Billie Magern (25/1) filled the frame in third.

The 5/2 favourite Aerial for Paul Nicholls & Ruby Walsh finished back in fourth.

Bridgwater said: "With another year on his back, I'd like to think he'd be running in the Argento Chase rather than this, but he's just got to get it all together.

"I thought he was a good thing today after his run behind Time For Rupert last time and I've schooled him over everything at home and even I couldn't get him to make a mistake.

"We have been playing catch up ever since he fell in the Paddy Power but I would imagine he will have a few entries in the handicaps at the Festival."