Native River sibling to face first test in Taunton bumper

Tuesday will see One Night In Milan, a half-brother to last year's Gold Cup third Native River, make his debut in the bumper at Taunton (3.50).

The five-year-old Milan gelding - one of eight debutants in the 14-runner contest - is trained by Paul Nicholls for Ditcheat Thoroughbreds and will be ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies.

Native River had strung together three victories before his third in the Gold Cup last March, including the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh Grand National, and won the Mildmay Novices' Chase the previous season.

Watch last year's thrilling Gold Cup won by Sizing John

Relive Native River's gutsy win in the Hennessy Gold Cup

Despite having not being seen since, the seven-year-old Native River, by Indian River, is quoted at odds as short as 7-1 for the 2018 Gold Cup.

The pair's older sibling Orpheus Valley, by Beneficial, won a prestigious handicap chase at the 2014 Punchestown festival, and the Ditcheat syndicate members will take heart from the fact that Native River and Orpheus Valley placed on their bumper debuts.

One Night In Milan was withdrawn by breeder Fred Mackay from the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale as a foal, but was snapped up by Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls when offered at the 2016 Land Rover Sale.

Perhaps Mick Maestro will give One Night In Milan most to do - the five-year-old son of Air Chief Marshal won a Towcester bumper impressively and can pose a danger on his return after a long lay-off.

Mick Maestro also boasts a Grade 1-winning sibling, after Mick Jazz won the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over the Christmas.

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