'He's a really tough cookie, has good form in the book and loves Cheltenham'

Sam Thomas has more reason than most to hope Cheltenham beats the cold snap as he looks forward to Saturday’s Ais December Gold Cup with Stolen Silver, who will bid to make amends for a late mishap in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (1.50).

Stolen Silver went off favourite for last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, but made a jumping error at the third-last fence and unseated rider Sam Twiston-Davies when still in contention.

Victory instead went to Ga Law, who is not among the entries for Saturday's race, although placed horses Midnight River, Il Ridoto and Deyrann De Carjac are all possible runners.