Jockey Barry Geraghty believes Hennessy Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth deserves to be the ante-post favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Last season's RSA Chase winner, trained by Nicky Henderson, turned in a virtuoso display when defeating Tidal Bay by three and a quarter lengths at Newbury on Saturday.

"He has the right profile (for the Gold Cup) - he's an RSA winner and is four from four at Cheltenham," Geraghty told At The Races.

"There's every reason for Bobs Worth to be at the head of the market."

Trainer Paul Nicholls reported runner-up Tidal Bay returned unscathed from the Hennessy, and he will now head for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

Nicholls wrote in his blog: "If he was a six or seven-year-old, and not pushing 12, he would be just about be second favourite for the Gold Cup now.

The revitalised 11-year-old could renew rivalry with First Lieutenant at Leopardstown.

Trainer Mouse Morris' decision to travel over from Ireland with the seven-year-old gelding was vindicated after he finished an honourable third.

"It was a pity the ground was tacky, but he ran a big race," said County Tipperary-based Morris.

"He jumped super and was given a great ride - what more can you ask?

"I'll have to talk to Michael (O'Leary, owner), but we'll probably go for the Lexus."