Gerri Colombe 'can be the one to give Galopin most to think about' says Gordon Elliott as he hands top chaser surprise British option

Gerri Colombe was a notable omission from the Christmas festivities and has become the forgotten horse in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup picture, but Gordon Elliott is confident last year's runner-up can be the main danger to Galopin Des Champs again in March and he could warm up for the festival showpiece at Windsor on Sunday week.

Elliott was hoping to take on Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown over Christmas but skipped the Savills Chase after Gerri Colombe's work in the lead-up was underwhelming. The trainer has not ruled out the possibility of sending him straight to the Gold Cup without another run. 

Only Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File are shorter than Gerri Colombe in the Gold Cup market after he was cut to 10-1 (from 14) with Paddy Power following the news that there were only 19 entries and Spillane's Tower was not among them.