Challenger Du Luc, called several uncharitable names in the past, the best of which would be fainthearted, can put the record straight with victory in the Ladbroke Trophy at Cheltenham today.

Winner of the Murphy's Gold Cup in 1996, Martin Pipe's chaser finished second in this season's Murphy's on his reappearance, beaten three lengths by Senor El Betrutti, giving the impression that another successful campaign was to follow.

But to say things have not gone according to plan is an understatement.

Next time at Newbury he arrived too soon and was worried out of first prize by Callisoe Bay, beaten a head.

Then followed another defeat by Senor El Betrutti this time when beaten eight lengths by Susan Nock's grey on 3lb better terms.

Challenger du Luc appeared to be on the downgrade but put up a personal best on his subsequent start in the Pertemps King George VI Chase.

Cantering throughout and jumping with precision in that high-class event the Nicholashayne runner cruised up in the home straight and it looked only a matter of how far once Tony McCoy gave office.

But after a superb leap at the last the eight-year-old appeared to down tools and finished runner-up once again, this time beaten two lengths by See More Business.

Referred to as "gutless" in some quarters after the St Stephen's Day race, which seems a little harsh for a horse who ran so well for so far in a Grade One contest, it may have been that Challenger du Luc did not quite see out the trip in such a well-contested affair.

A fall at Wincanton on his latest outing can be ignored as this son of Chamberlin is normally a sound jumper.

Today's opposition is tough to say the least with Dublin Flyer, Coulton, Unguided Missile and Irish raider Manhattan Castle all capable of top-class form but judged on his Kempton run Challenger du Luc has the ability to land this trappy handicap.