Racing: Stamina of Promise to be put to the test

STRONG PROMISE attempts to enhance his Gold Cup prospects when he runs in Wincanton's Jim Ford Chase on Thursday. A good display in the race of just over three miles and one furlong would see a cut in his current Cheltenham odds of around 16-1.

Chris Kinane, assistant to the gelding's trainer, Geoff Hubbard, said yesterday: "So many people have been getting anxious about whether he'll stay the Gold Cup trip and this should quieten them down."

Ten others are entered, including Rough Quest, Go Ballistic and Egypt Mill Prince.