Back On Top, trained in Co Clare by John Hassett for Sue Magnier, has been heavily supported for Saturday's Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury.

A son of Bob Back, Back On Top is 8 to 1 from 25 to 1 with Coral and 12 to 1 from 20 to 1 at William Hill and Ladbrokes after strong early support yesterday. The horse is no stranger to landing a gamble, having been backed into 9 to 4 from 10 to 1 when scoring at Cork last April.

He went on to complete a hat-trick of wins over hurdles when scoring at Punchestown and Killarney.

But Back On Top has been off the course since unplaced in a 10-furlong handicap on the Flat at Cork last June.

Hassett said: "I have had the race in mind since the first entry stage and the horse is well.

"I suppose I would have liked to have a got a race into him but I don't think it will be a problem."

"I hope Norman Williamson will be able to ride him."

However, not for the first time the Corkman's talents are in demand from more than one party as he has also been linked with the ride on the Venetia Williams-trained Crocadee.

Sue Bramall's keenness to make forays from her Co Wexford base to her homeland was emphasised again yesterday by the success of Bangabunny at Carlisle. He made light of the strong winds and driving rain to defeat three rivals in the Pioneer Foods Millennium Handicap Chase.

Partnered by John Cullen, who was riding at the track for the first time, Bangabunny made a lot of the running.

The 2 to 1 shot looked under threat at the last but pulled away again to defeat Fassan by five lengths to follow up his victory at Kelso last month.

Bramall moved to Wexford four years ago after training near Thirsk.