Late decision on Instalment run

A late decision will be made regarding Last Instalment's participation in the Cheltenham Gold Cup this afternoon.

Philip Fenton's charge was a hugely impressive winner of the Irish Hennessy after returning from nearly two years off, but he must have some give in the ground.

"They watered on Wednesday night and the fog on Thursday morning will all help keep the moisture in," said trainer Philip Fenton.

"We are keen to run, we want to run, but we'll do what is best for the horse. I imagine we'll make a decision around 11.30am.

"Thankfully his form picked up from where he left off two years ago and he's as good as ever."

Brian O'Connell, who did the steering in the Hennessy, again gets the leg-up after intended rider Bryan Cooper suffered a broken leg on Wednesday.

"It's unfortunate for Bryan Cooper that he can't ride him, but the other Brian knows him even better, he's had a long association with him."

The Giant Bolster bounced back to his best wearing a hood and a visor in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.

Having finished second and fourth in the last two renewals, trainer David Bridgwater has every reason to fell 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," said Bridgwater.

"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.

"Nobody else has course form this season under their belt like he has and if he has lucky 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."

First Lieutenant chased home Bobs Worth in the Lexus, beaten just a length and a half.

Mouse Morris believes that run gives his charge solid place claims as he tackles the Gold Cup trip for the first time having finished second in the Ryanair at the 2013 Festival.

Connections opted to sidestep that two-mile-five-furlong heat this term, with Morris eager to test his runner in the main event.

He said: "He has some good form in the book on his day and if Bobs Worth has a chance, we have an each-way chance. He's well, he's travelled over and all is A1 with him. It will be nice to see some good ground there.

"The trip won't be a problem - that's not a question mark in my mind. It might be he's not quite good enough, but he deserves to have a crack at the race."