Big Fella Thanks is now 10-1 joint favourite for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree next month after putting in a superb round of jumping to beat stablemate Pasco at Newbury today.
Barry Geraghty gave the 8-1 shot a superb ride and the writing was on the wall a long way from home as the dour stayer cruised into contention on the heels of the leaders going ominously well.
Geraghty tried to hold on to him for as long as possible, and after jumping ahead at the last he went readoily clear before idling on the run-in and having to be kept up to his work to hold the renewed effort of the 5-2 favourite under a Ruby Walsh drive.
It was a very taking performance from Paul Nicholls' eight-year-old over a distance which would have been plenty short enough for him, and bookmakers were suitably impressed and cut him across the baord for National glory.
He is now generally 10-1 joint-fav with stable companion Tricky Trickster, alhtough Ladbrtokes and Hills go 12s and Sky Bet a stand alone 14s.
