The Giant Bolster bids to return to form in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham
Owner Simon Hunt accepts The Giant Bolster has "not really come to himself this season" ahead of a return to Cheltenham.
Last Updated: 23/01/14 8:23am
Second and fourth in the last two renewals of the Gold Cup, the David Bridgwater-trained nine-year-old has struggled in three starts this term.
Hunt is nonetheless hopeful The Giant Bolster can secure a third victory on Festival trials day, on which he is likely to contest the Argento Chase.
The owner told the Western Daily Press: "He won the novices' chase three years ago and the handicap chase the following year, and if we were lucky enough to win the Argento and complete the full set, that would be fantastic," he said.
"He's given us so much already and we're not going to get greedy - but I can't think of anything better than completing the treble, that would be just the dream ticket.
"He's been tipping away nicely and done a few different things, like some indoor schooling, jumping poles and had a few away-days.
"He's still a good horse but he's not really come to himself this season, but I'm always positive about him and hopefully it will all come right on Saturday.
"Our concern is always about what the ground's going to be, but I can't imagine it being bottomless like it was there last time."