Ruby Walsh doesn't get much wrong but he could have erred in preferring Cornish Rebel over stable companion Red Devil Robert in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Handicap Chase over three-and-a-quarter miles at Newbury this afternoon.

Much has been made of the fact that Red Devil Robert's stamina seemed to give out after he travelled supremely well for much of the way over three-miles-and-one-furlong on his reappearance at Wincanton last month.

However, trainer Paul Nicholls stated in a Racing Post stable tour earlier in the season that the majority of his runners wouldn't be as forward as at the same stage last year and Red Devil Robert certainly seemed to "blow up" in the closing stages behind Iris Bleu.

That should have put him spot-on for a tilt at this prestigious prize and his strong cruising speed and ability to jump accurately at speed will stand him in very good stead and he is expected to reverse placings with that rival this time.

Stamina never seemed to be an issue with him last year - indeed he shaped as though a good test of stamina would be in his favour when he finished second to Liverpool Echo over the extended three miles at Cheltenham on his final start of last term.

Scottish National runner-up Cornish Rebel is sure to go well for Walsh and expect a big run from Nicky Henderson's Trabolgan, who is pitched into handicaps after running his best race when beating Comply Or Die in the Royal & Sunalliance Chase at Cheltenham in March.

* Towcester have called a precautionary inspection for 8am ahead of today's meeting. There was an overnight frost at the track and although the weather is set to improve, clerk of the course Robert Bellamy will check conditions early in the morning.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.