ANTHONY Honeyball’s Regal Encore could not build on his recent win at Exeter and finished unplaced in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham today.

Harry Fry’s Henryville fared better, moving steadily through the field and looking like the winner at the home turn before being collared by a fast finishing trio up the run-in to give the Seaborough man a third festival place in three days.

Colin Tizzard’s Grand Vision finished fourth in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase, while Kings Lad and Third Intention were unplaced in the 2m5f Handicap Chase and Ryanair Chase respectively.

Gold Cup day might prove the fitting climax of an encouraging week for Fry, who saddles several with chances.

Jolly’s Cracked It goes in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s Hurdle, while Thomas Brown and Fletchers Flyer line up in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Fry said about the latter’s chances: “He has great course form having won well over an extended 2mf4 on New Year’s day here, he got headed and came back in front.

"It was a good battling display and he can use those qualities in the Bartlett. Going up to three miles will suit him.”

Joe Tizzard also spoke of his high hopes for Native River in the same race, saying: “He’s a beautiful young horse who has improved no end all season."

“He hasn’t taken on the best of the novices yet, except here when he fell two out when he was bang there.”