Hennessy Gold Cup winner Diamond Harry was said to be “bouncing” when he teamed up with Daryl Jacob for a gallop on Thursday morning.

Nick Williams’ stable star has not been seen since his sensational display at Newbury and will be heading straight to the Cheltenham Festival for a tilt at the Gold Cup this March.

Jacob admitted that he can’t wait for the big race and explained: "I sat on him this morning and he's absolutely bouncing, he's in great form.  Nick was saying he wishes the race was tomorrow, he's that well and that fresh in himself.

"Nick will have him primed for the big day and hopefully he's going there with a real live chance.

"He's got a bit of form to find with Denman with the turn around at the weights, but hopefully he'll be spot on on the day and we can have a shot at it.

"Long Run was very impressive (King George) but you can't write off Kauto Star no matter what you read.

"He's had one bad run and while his form at Down Royal maybe wasn't great he probably wasn't tuned up that day.

"After one bad run everyone is trying to write him off but I'd never write him off, that's for sure," he commented.