Venetia Williams looks set to bid for an unprecedented big-race hat-trick with The Outback Way in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup next Saturday. She admitted yesterday she would "be surprised" if the ground was too soft for her Murphy's Gold Cup winner to bid to follow up at Newbury.

But no plans have yet been made for Nordance Prince, who formed the middle leg of a possible treble for the trainer with victory in the First National Gold Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

The Outback Way will be stepping up to three and a quarter miles in next Saturday's showpiece and his trainer, who won the race with Teeton Mill 12 months ago, is not certain of his stamina.

"I don't know whether he will stay - we will get our answer on Saturday. His best performances have been short of three miles," she said.

The Outback Way will be bidding to become the first horse to complete the Cheltenham-Newbury double since Bright Highway in 1980.

If successful, Miss Williams would be the first trainer to win all three big November chases since the First National Gold Cup - formerly the H & T Walker Gold Cup - was founded in 1981.

The Outback Way's price for the Hennessy has been cut to 8 to 1 from 10s by William Hill after he was confirmed a likely runner.

Nordance Prince was reported "fine" after his wining return after a year's absence.