Gold Cup is still the target for Bristol De Mai despite Haydock defeat

The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup next March remains the aim for Bristol De Mai despite the eight-year-old failing in his bid to land a third consecutive Betfair Chase at Haydock last Saturday.

While trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has ruled out a third try at the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, the Cheltenham feature, in which he was third to Al Boum Photo in March, is now his priority for the rest of the season.

The grey could not cope with rising star and Gold Cup favourite Lostintranslation at Haydock on Saturday, going down by a length and a half.

His trainer declared on Tuesday that the grey, who is 50-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power for the Gold Cup, will now have a short break before heading to Cheltenham on Trials Day at the end of January for a tilt at the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase.

Twiston-Davies said: "The horse is fine and the priority is now the Gold Cup as he was third in the race 12 months ago. It is very likely that his next run will be in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in the New Year as the timing gives us six or seven weeks or so before the Gold Cup."

Bristol De Mai (left) battles with Betfair Chase winner Lostintranslation at the last in Saturday's Grade 1 at HaydockCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Ballyoptic finished fourth in the Betfair Chase after his success in the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and Twiston-Davies is keeping his options open for his charge over the upcoming busy Christmas and New Year period next month.

He said: "I'm not sure where he will run next and we will be looking at everything going up to the New Year. He has an entry in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow a couple of days after Christmas and that is certainly an option as he won there in the mud first time out this season."

Frodon finished third for trainer Paul Nicholls in the Haydock Grade 1 but the eight-year-old was beaten 27 lengths and is struggling to recapture his form after finishing last term with a hat-trick of victories at Cheltenham, including success in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at the festival.

Nicholls said: "There is no plan for him as things stand. He has come back from Haydock fine and will have an easy couple of weeks before we look at something for him after the turn of the year.”

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app