Racing: All-the-way victory points First Gold at Cheltenham

For two years First Gold was more like iron pyrites, a horse masquerading in name and quality as the horse we once saw dance away with a King George VI Chase at Kempton. But then came victory in the Martell Cup at Aintree three weeks ago and, final resurrection, in the Heineken Gold Cup at Punchestown yesterday.

His parts suitably refreshed, First Gold proved he was much more than base metal as he accelerated six lengths and more clear of his rivals and he now has a long-term ambition to suit his name. "First Gold needed to prove he could perform just as well on an undulating track like this, and now he has done it we can look forward to Cheltenham and next season's Gold Cup with a lot more optimism," François Doumen, the trainer, said. "Thierry knows the horse inside out – he has ridden him for five years – and there is no-one else I would rather have riding him."

This was a second successive win at the meeting for apparent breakdowns from the JP McManus garage. Flagship Uberalles had won the previous day in the flagship green and gold colours, and First Gold's task was simplified by the absence of Beef Or Salmon and Harbour Pilot.

There were still luminaries to beat, however, and Doumen fils and First Gold decided to eliminate the intimidation factor by leading from the gun. Down the straight, the token gladiators were Rince Ri and Native Upmanship, the ones still standing at the end behind the 7-4 favourite.

Among the British stranded were Young Spartacus, who finished fourth, while Hussard Collonges fell going out on to the second circuit when tracking the leader. Florida Pearl faded into fifth of the seven starters, while Foxchapel King finished last, seemingly showing the effects of a good run in the attheraces Gold Cup at Sandown on Saturday.

There are targets much more imminent for other beasts and, in the next 48 hours, we will discover whether Russian Rhythm has emerged from hibernation quickly enough to take her part in Sunday's 1,000 Guineas.

Michael Stoute, the filly's trainer, has grumbled for some time now that Russian Rhythm has not been swift enough to mature this spring. Now she is down to her last chance. "A decision will be made in the next day or two as to whether she will definitely run," Chris Richardson, a spokesman for Russian Rhythm's owners, the Cheveley Park Stud, said yesterday. "She's just a little bit wintry in her coat but she's done well, she's grown and matured and there's much to look forward to."

Doubts diminished yesterday over whether Refuse To Bend will run in Saturday's 2,000 Guineas. Only firm ground would rule the colt out of the race, his trainer, Dermot Weld, said yesterday.

"If we do decide to run then he is ready – he is fit, his blood picture is right, everything is right," Weld said.

Some nervous weeks await John Oxx, who has in his Currabeg yard the Derby ante-post favourite in Alamshar. Oxx has had only one runner in the premier Classic before, and, like Sinndar in 2000, Alamshar will be warming up in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown a week on Sunday.

Alamshar shares a preparation as well as a box, number 19 of 140, chez Oxx. "That was an accident," the trainer said yesterday. "I just asked the lads to put him somewhere over here and that's where he ended up. Whether he is as good as Sinndar I don't know, but he is certainly a nice horse, not overly big but well balanced. Like Sinndar he is not a flashy worker, but he is a clear-winded and attractive horse.

"What horses need at Epsom is speed. If they can't lie up on the bridle then they say they don't act on the track, but how many horses come back from Epsom having run badly and then return to form to win big races? It's not many.

"They need speed and I hope Alamshar has got enough. But he is going the right way. Sinndar improved 7lb each time he ran and I just hope we can do the same thing with this horse."

RACING IN BRIEF: O'BRIEN AND GODOLPHIN MAKE CLASSY ENTRIES FOR LOCKINGE

* A total of 22 horses, headed by Aidan O'Brien's Hawk Wing, have been left in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on 17 May. He could be joined by stablemate Sahara Desert in the Group One mile contest. Godolphin account for six of the entries.

* Leading Irish chaser Foxchapel King has been retired after suffering an injury at Punchestown yesterday. The Mouse Morris-trained gelding won 12 jumps races and over £200,000 in prize money.

* Dessie Hughes is looking forward to saddling Mutineer in today's Champion 4yo Hurdle at Punchestown. Mutineer was eighth in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham but the trainer says he expects a much improved display today.