If Quel Esprit and Flat Out can put in clean rounds of jumping, I think they both have good potential (I see Flat Out as a good ew shout in the Champion Chase - he was right at the top of the Arkle betting last year).

Some really good second season chasers for the Gold Cup this year - maybe aim Quel Esprit for the William Hill on day one, with a high 140's - low 150's mark?

I think it's a myth that the horse needs softish ground to produce the goods. The good ground didn't seem to be bothering him much in the RSA. Fix jumping and you've got a serious horse. Nice start in that regard today. Also feel that he needs a regular pilot. He had Emmeth Mullins, Townend and Ruby taking turns last season. This is hardly fair on the horse espicially one who seems to be crying out for a little continuity. Give Townend the gig and leave him there, seems to get on best.

In the 5 day decs for December Gold Cup Cheltenham Saturday.  A) Will he run? B)If yes, has to go close/win off this rating if to be considered for the Gold Cup or Ryanair at the festival. C)Can he stand up in a competitive field.

I would back him at current 14's if he were a runner!

He's certainly one of the very interesting ones but shockster's question C is the main one for me.

I've always liked this horse and agree that his ability should give him a great shout off 148, but he has raced at Cheltenham four times and not really covered himself in glory. If Mullins does send him I would take it as a very positive assessment of his chances for the simple reason that I can't believe a competitive, fast-run handicap at Cheltenham is the ideal next port of call in terms of building his confidence and developing into a very good Graded runner. That to me, on the flip side, would mean that team Mullins think he is a lot better than 148.

Must say, however I look at the race, I can't help feel that Divers is going to take a lot of beating. Am surprised the 9-1 is holding up on him.

QE does not run on Saturday.  Not declared.