Hunt Ball and Cristal Bonus feature among 23 horses to stand their ground at the confirmation stage for the Paul Stewart IronSpine Charity Challenge Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The Keiran Burke-trained Hunt Ball was one of the most improved chasers in training last season but was pulled up on his reappearance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Former smart novice chaser Cristal Bonus, trained by Paul Nicholls, landed a Grade Two at Down Royal by nine lengths last month.

Anthony Knott, owner of Hunt Ball, explained the intention was for the horse to run at the weekend before the King George at Christmas, although ground conditions could be against his horse once more.

He said: "The ground went against us last time and if we get better ground you will see a proper horse.

"He's probably going to run this weekend, as I know Andy Stewart (sponsor) well, but they have predicted rain coming in and it looks as if the ground will go against us.

"He could do with a blow-out ahead of the King George and if he ran into the frame (at the weekend) I'd be well pleased."

Nicholls has also left in Ghizao and Unioniste, with trainers' title rival Nicky Henderson double-handed through Quantitativeeasing and Nadiya De La Vega, who was third to Al Ferof in the Paddy Power.

Wishfull Thinking heads the weights from his Philip Hobbs-trained stablemate Menorah, who beat Cristal Bonus in a Grade One at Aintree's Grand National meeting.

The Stanjames.com International Hurdle and Unicoin Homes Relkeel Hurdle on the same card have both been re-opened for entries until Tuesday morning.

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