Racing:Paul Nicholls strengthened his Grand National hand as Big Fella Thanks saw off stablemate Pasco in the Raymond Mould Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury.
The champion trainer's pair jumped the third-last fence in unison, but it was Big Fella Thanks who travelled the best under Barry Geraghty and he started to pull away on the level.
Ruby Walsh urged 5-2 favourite Pasco along, but 8-1 chance Big Fella Thanks kept pulling out more and crossed the line a length and a half to the good.
Nicholls' Tricky Trickster already headed up the National market and now shares that position alongside Big Fella Thanks.
Owner Harry Findlay, who named the horse after his world record-breaking greyhound, said: "We had to have the dog put down two weeks ago at the age of 13 and he was pure class.
"I was emotional with what happened to the dog, but that was brilliant to watch.
"He was 20-1 when the Grand National weights came out and I am kicking myself for not backing him."
Nicholls, who has saddled 44 Grand National losers, added: "Credit has to go to Ruby, who advised dropping him back to two and a half miles to wake him up as he was sleepy last time at Kempton.
"I thought this race was perfect for Pasco, and asked Barry to ride Big Fella Thanks with a view towards him riding in the National if Ruby picks Tricky."