CHARLIE SWAN yesterday claimed his mount Cyborgo has "a great chance" in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup a week on Thursday. The Irish champion jockey added that he was delighted with the novice when he rode him in work at Martin Pipe's yard on Monday.

"I schooled him over six fences and he jumped very well his jumping won't be a problem," he said on the premium rate Pipeline telephone service.

"He's a lovely horse, very laid-back but tough. Though he's a lazy type he keeps galloping and finding a bit. And he's a class horse, having won the Stayers' Hurdle.

"With luck in running he has to be thereabouts in the Gold Cup I think he's got a great chance."

Swan will take over on Cyborgo from Tony McCoy who is committed to ride Mr Mulligan in the Cheltenham showpiece.

Cyborgo, winner of the Stayers' Hurdle last year, is quoted at 20 to 1 for the Gold Cup by William Hill after winning all his three starts to date in novice chases.