PAUL Nicholls has robustly defended Bravemansgame's Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials amid fears he will not relish the track.
The 13-times champion trainer insists the 8-1 shot in the ante-post book can throw down a stern challenge for jump racing's cherished crown.
Third on his only Cheltenham appearance in the 2021 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, Bravemansgame has since thrived at flatter racecourses.