Corbetts Cross 'bouncing' ahead of possible Gold Cup bid

Emmet Mullins has reported that Corbetts Cross has come out of the Betfair Ascot Chase in good shape with a final decision still to be made on his Gold Cup participation at Cheltenham next week.

He was beaten 10 lengths into second by Pic D'orhy in that Grade 1 on drying ground just over a fortnight ago, which was his first run since finishing sixth in the King George at Kempton over Christmas.

Mullins said: “He’s surprisingly very good. I was worried coming home from Ascot as it was an end-to-end gallop and a fair test, but he’s bouncing and couldn’t be happier with the individual at the moment.”

When asked if all roads lead to the Gold Cup he added: “It’s still a bit off the confirmation stage, but I couldn’t be happier with him at the moment.”

Corbetts Cross won the National Hunt Chase by 17 lengths on testing ground at last year's festival.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee