Last in, First out

Last Instalment will take his chance in this afternoon's Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, but fellow Gigginstown House Stud-owned runner First Lieutenant has been ruled out.

Trainer Mouse Morris informed the British Horseracing Authority last year's Ryanair Chase runner-up had not eaten up this morning and he will not be risked in the highlight of the final day of the Festival.

"First Lieutenant is off his feed. He hasn't eaten up this morning and Mouse doesn't want to take any chances," said Gigginstown's manager Eddie O'Leary.

Last Instalment, however, will run after trainer Philip Fenton walked the course with O'Leary. Connections are satisfied the ground is safe enough for the nine-year-old to take his chance in the blue riband of steeplechasing.

"We've walked the course. The ground is good to yielding and we're happy to run. The horse is in great form," said Fenton.

Last Instalment's participation had been in some doubt because of his history of leg problems. He won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown last month on only his second start since he returned from nearly two years on the sidelines.

The going at Cheltenham remains good, good to soft in places, with fog at the track expected to clear in time for racing.

Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: "It is a thinner layer (of fog) today, although at 6am at ground level it was much denser than yesterday.

"I think the course is in great nick. We have opened up, on the inside of the chase course all the way around, another seven to 11 yards of ground which has not been run on since March of last year so that is in beautiful condition.

"The inner ground also had the bit of water we put on the course on Wednesday night so I am leaving the description as good, good to soft in places. It was never the intention to water last night. The purpose of watering on Wednesday night was to make sure we set up the ground just right for today.

"We have been delighted with the ground so far this week and the key thing about today is the Gold Cup is the first chase run on that lovely inner strip of fresh ground."

The Giant Bolster bounced back to his best wearing a hood and a visor in the Argento Chase at Prestbury Park. Having finished second and fourth in the last two renewals, trainer David Bridgwater has every reason to feel bullish about his claims.

"I think the last time he got his ground was in his novice chase at Worcester, however many years ago, but he'll get it again at last. If he jumps, and they all need to jump, and if he has luck in running, and they all need luck in running, then on pure ability along he has to be in the first three," said Bridgwater.

"Nobody else has course form this season under their belt like he has and if he has luck in running I seriously can not see him finishing out of the frame. Tom Scudamore knows him so well , he just runs so much better for him, and he's absolutely bouncing."