RACING: Kingscliff Keeps Rising

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Byline: William Hayler

Kingscliff did enough to persuade trainer Robert Alner that he was ready to take on the big boys when he maintained his unbeaten record in the Tripleprint Chase at Cheltenham yesterday.

The 4-7 favourite may not have scored in the manner that some of the hype suggested he might, but in defeating Haut Cercy by six lengths he still looked a genuine contender for championship honours.

Even a rather clumsy leap at the final fence failed to disrupt his momentum as he quickened up nicely under Andrew Thornton.

Marlborough, who looked the likeliest challenger for most of the contest, gradually faded from the second-last fence, the …