Burton Port and Tidal Bay have been allotted joint top-weight of 11st 12lb in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on December 1.

Nicky Henderson's Burton Port finished fourth in the Gold Cup in March and was second to Follow The Plan in the Betfred Bowl at Aintree the following month.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Tidal Bay signed off last season with a popular win in the bet365 Gold Cup and showed his fire still burned bright by winning the John Smith's Hurdle at Wetherby on his reappearance.

Henderson also has Roberto Goldback (11st 8lb), an impressive winner at Ascot on his first start for the yard, RSA Chase winner Bobs Worth (11st 6lb), Quantitativeeasing (11st 1lb) and Shakalakaboomboom (10st 8lb) to choose from.

Champion trainer Nicholls also has a strong hand with his two Down Royal winners Kauto Stone (11st 8lb) and Cristal Bonus (11st 3lb) in the mix, as well as Join Together (10st 8lb) and Michel Le Bon (10st 4lb).

David Pipe's Grands Crus, red-hot favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup this weekend, has 11st 3lb.

Pipe nearly pulled off the double with Great Endeavour last season.

Grand National winner Ballabriggs (11st 2lb), Time For Rupert (11st 1lb), Irish National winner Lion Na Bernai (10st 8lb) and The Package (10st 7lb) will all have their followers.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests