THE Hennessy Gold Cup is a potential target for Third Intention after Colin Tizzard’s seasoned chaser claimed a long overdue big-race success in the 188Bet Monet’s Garden Old Roan Chase at Aintree.

While undoubtedly a fine servant for connections over the years, the nine-year-old has found success hard to come by, with the last of his three previous chase triumphs coming in February of last year.

A total of 16 placed efforts from 28 starts over fences prior to his latest assignment on Aintree is both admirable and frustrating, but he enjoyed his day in the sun on Merseyside under a terrific ride from Aidan Coleman.

Making his first appearance since April, the 5-1 shot looked a little ring-rusty early on, but gradually warmed to his task.

He was still towards the rear of the seven-strong field turning for home, but mowed down Vibrato Valtat on the run to the final fence and a bold leap sealed his victory.

Dual Grade One winner God’s Own was doing his best work at the finish and came through to beat Vibrato Valtat to the runner-up spot, beaten a length and three-quarters.

After the triumph, Milborne Port handler Tizzard said: “I think he’s the only juvenile hurdle winner I’ve ever had.

“He’s been a lovely horse for us and I’m delighted for him he’s gone and won a lovely race like the Old Roan.

“We’ve not been sure about what trip he wants and he’s been cross-country racing and also run over the Grand National fences.

“He has had his wind done over the summer and that might just have helped him. People have been a bit cruel about him in the past, but he hit the front and never looked like stopping.

“He’ll definitely get an entry in the Hennessy on Tuesday. Flat, left-handed tracks suit him and that might be his next race.”

Elsewhere, Tizzard also claimed two victories at Wincanton on Sunday.

Eight-year-old Gentleman Jon also landed a shock triumph to win the PIB Insurance Supporting Combat Stress Handicap Chase.

Joint-favourite On Demand cruised to victory by 18 lengths to claim the Montague Inn Handicap Hurdle,

Tizzard also confirmed he hopes to take the wraps off Thistlecrack for his eagerly-awaited debut over fences at Chepstow tomorrow.

He added: “He’s ready to run, hopefully the ground will be fine and we’ll see what happens.”