Ellison certain Definitly Red is a serious Gold Cup contender

Brian Ellison feels Definitly Red thoroughly deserves a tilt at Cheltenham Gold Cup glory following his tremendous display in Saturday's Cotswold Chase.

The nine-year-old was a dominant winner of the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree last month, but faced an even tougher task at Prestbury Park, with Betfair Chase hero Bristol De Mai a hot favourite.

However, fears about the nature of the track proved unfounded as Definitly Red jumped boldly under Danny Cook on his way to an eight-length success and all roads now lead to the blue riband of steeplechasing on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Ellison said: "Everything is good this morning. He's eaten up and he's in good fettle.

"It was a good day. I thought he was impressive at Aintree and basically nobody picked up on it. This race was another notch up and he was impressive again.

"I thought he jumped well and he deserves a crack at the Gold Cup now. It's all systems go.

"I don't think they'll go any faster in the Gold Cup than they did yesterday and it looks a wide open race."

Definitly Red is as short as 16-1 for the Timico Gold Cup, with King George winner Might Bite the 7-2 favourite.