Inothewayurthinkin galloped on strongly up the hill to deny
a famous Boodles Cheltenham
Cup hat-trick.
Gavin Cromwell’s seven-year-old was supplemented for the race at a cost of £25,000 and that proved another shrewd investment by owner JP McManus as he stormed home to score by six lengths at 15-2.
Galopin Des Champs, who broke the heart of Bravemansgame two years ago and was too strong for Gerri Colombe last year, was settled in mid-division as Ahoy Senor set the pace, but the defending champion was not quite at his fluent best over the early fences.
The 8-13 favourite survived a scare when slightly hampered by the fall of Ahoy Senor and seemed to be warming to the task as he swept into the lead turning for home.
However, Mark Walsh was stalking him on Inothewayurthinkin and his mount produced an impressive turn of foot to power clear.