FRANTIC TAN VICTORY MARRED Frantic Tan made a mockery of the handicap when he ran away with the Stg£100,000 De Vere Gold Cup at Haydock today and he now heads for Cheltenham.But the three-and-a-half-mile test was marred by the tragic death of Young Kenny, who was put down after shattering a hind fetlock on the flat after jumping the 12th fence.Frantic Tan disputed the lead for a long way with the eventual runner-up Jocks Cross, but he took command four out and gradually drew away from his rivals, eventually passing the post with 17 lengths to spare in the hands of Carl Llewellyn.The nine-year-old carries the colours of The Bunkers Hill Mob, and his success leaves trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies with a Festival poser as he holds three entries.Twiston-Davies`s first impression was to go opt for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase rather than the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup but the William Hill Handicap Chase has also entered calculations.Unfortunately the handicapper will be able to take into account today`s performance and he is sure to shoot up the ratings.Twiston-Davies said: 'We will have to see what happens with the handicap, but basically we have three options.'I am absolutely delighted. It was only his fourth race over fences and it was a very good performance - but everyone must remember that he will not go on fast ground because of the knee problems he has had. He will be lame tonight and tomorrow but it eases off in time.'
