Can't Buy Time boosts Tony McCoy's bid

The National is one of the few major prizes to have eluded McCoy but following Cant Buy Time's two-and-a-quarter-length victory over Private Be, the eight-year-old emerged as a possible partner for the rider at Aintree in April.

The gelding is owned by JP McManus, who retains McCoy and on whose Clan Royal McCoy was carried out at Becher's second time around in 2005 when looking to be travelling supremely well.

"He fell in the National last year after coming here for the four-miler, but I'd hope he could have another crack at it. I thought he might find the ground a bit sticky but coming back in trip has helped," said trainer Jonjo O'Neill.

Victor Chandler gave Can't Buy Time an opening quote of 25-1 for the National while Paddy Power gave 33s.

O'Neill was one trainer to show his delight that the meeting at Cheltenham went ahead following three inspections owing to the overnight temperatures. The first race saw six non-runners and a number of jockeys and trainers subsequently expressed their concerns about the going, forcing a third impromptu inspection following checks at 10am and 11.30am. O'Neill added: "I walked it and it was perfectly raceable. You could get your stick in about six inches and I was surprised there was another inspection, but when one trainer suddenly decides to take his out you can become jittery."

Nicky Henderson took Punchestowns out of the Grade Two Dipper Novices' Chase but was on the mark with his other three runners as Radium, Tetlami and Sentry Duty completed a near 75-1 treble under Barry Geraghty.

The New Year programme was hit hard by the weather, with yesterday's meetings at Exeter and Fakenham called off, following the earlier loss of Musselburgh. Today's card at Folkestone has been abandoned and they will inspect at Sandown first thing. Today's scheduled Ayr meeting was called off earlier in the week.