Tegerek takes control of Greatwood market after four are pulled out

In the wake of four defections from the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle it is the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Tegerek who has forged to the head of market.

Despite the race being without key contender Thyme White, the price move for Tegerek has been significant and his is now as short as 100-30 (from 6-1) to give O'Neill his second win in the Greatwood (3.00).

The six-year-old was a convincing winner over course and distance last month and he could prove ahead of the handicapper here with 7lb claimer Kevin Brogan in the saddle.

Rouge Vif: out of the ShloerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Leading Shloer Chase (2.25) contender Rouge Vif has been ruled out on account of the softening ground on the final day of Cheltenham's November meeting.

The six-year-old had been as short as 9-2 to follow up his impressive course-and-distance handicap success in October and his defection now leaves just four runners in the field for the Grade 2.

Defi Du Seuil is now the general 11-8 favourite, with last year's Arkle winner, Put The Kettle On, now a general 2-1 shot.

Racing at Fontwell will go ahead as planned after the course passed a precautinary morning inspection have recieved 21mm of rain in the last 24 hours.

The course hosts seven races this afternoon, headlined by the Paddy Power Southern National (3.15), for which Christmas In April is the 9-4 market leader.

Cheltenham non-runners

1.15: 3 The Mighty Don
1.50: 2 Brave Eagle, 4 Crievehill, 9 Cloth Cap
2.25: 2 Forest Bihan
3.00: 8 Milkwood, 6 Sebastopol, 17 Pishah Pike, 7 Thyme White
4.05: 2 Firestep, 7 Masterofheights, 9 Stage Star

Heavy rain in Cheltenham yesterday evening and the prospect of further showers throughout today have left the chase course soft and the hurdles course soft, heavy in places after 7mm of rain overnight.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: "Rouge Vif is a significant non-runner in the Shloer while a quartet of combatants in the Greatwood, including 10-1 chance Thyme White, means most horses at the front end have shortened.

"We cannot currently separate Edwardstone and Tegerek in the Greatwood with the latter possibly holding a fitness advantage after two fine runs including a success at Cheltenham already this season."

Cheltenham clerk of the course, Simon Claisse, said: "The rain which started yesterday afternoon persisted well into the night, although it ceased raining at around midnight. The going remains soft, while the hurdles course is soft, heavy in places."

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