Grands Crus is 9-4 favourite with the sponsors after a field of 20 was declared for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

David Pipe's bold-jumping grey is on a retrieval mission in the first major handicap of the new National Hunt season.

He appeared to have the world at his feet when winning the Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day in a quicker time than Kauto Star's in the King George, but on his only subsequent run he finished an 18-length fourth to Bobs Worth in the RSA Chase at the Festival in March.

Grands Crus enjoyed a breeze up Pipe's gallops on Thursday morning and the trainer tweeted: "Gerry Supple worked Grands Crus this morning and he went well...he says only two sleepless nights left!"

With Paul Nicholls saddling Poquelin for the third year running it means Casey Top, Finger Onthe Pulse, Questions Answered and Gilbarry are running from out of the handicap. Henry Daly's Kingsmere, however, is running off his correct weight with just 10st.

The seven-year-old looked like playing a huge part in the finish of a hot novice chase at the last meeting as he was in front when he fell two out.

Daly said: "I honestly don't know if Kingsmere would have won, but he was running a very good race. You couldn't tell, but he would have definitely been there or thereabouts.

"He hasn't surprised me at all with his progress over fences. He has always shown plenty at home and has improved for a fence, which most of mine do. I'm not sure how much improvement he has in him, but we will find out. The trip and the ground should be fine for him and Sam Twiston-Davies rides."

Hunt Ball aims to continue his progression for his popular owner Anthony Knott and trainer Keiran Burke after rising 88lb in the ratings last season.

Nicholls also runs Grade One winner Al Ferof and Aerial, who finished fourth at a big price last year, while Nicky Henderson has a strong hand with last year's runner-up Quantitativeeasing, Nadiya De La Vega, Tanks For That and Triolo D'Alene all representing Seven Barrows.

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