Shelford has the Coral Cup as his target at the Cheltenham Festival after his game run in defeat in The Ladbroke at Ascot.

Having forced a furious early gallop with the free-going Balgarry, Shelford was still in the firing line at the second-last.

Dan Skelton's Silver Trophy winner kept on doggedly to the line but three quickened past him as his trainer feared they might do.

"I was delighted with him. He kept galloping all the way to the line," said Skelton.

"Everyone knew our plan, it was to be on the front end and try to keep the gallop up but we feared there may be a couple with a better turn of foot and that was how it proved.

"For a few strides turning in I thought he had them and if the ground was softer who knows, he may have fought them off.

"We can have no complaints, it was a good race.

"I don't know where he'll go next but he's surprised me how he's come out of the race, I thought he'd be showing signs of a hard race but he's free and loose.

"The obvious race for him is the Coral Cup but whether I'll be brave and run him again or leave him alone, I haven't decided yet."

Skelton was also in the money on Saturday with Toby Lerone, second to Broadway Buffalo in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock.

"He stayed the three miles well," said Skelton.

"The winner won well. For whatever reason Toby jumps a bit to his right but runs well going left-handed.

"The Peter Marsh back at Haydock is likely without being a definite."