Pipe's Our Vic leads the field ahead of Gold Cup meet

Published on Thursday 12 November 2009 21:48

A MAXIMUM field of 20 will go to post for tomorrow's Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, headed by 2005 winner Our Vic.

David Pipe's veteran ran only three times last season but had won the Ryanair Chase the season before, as well as beating Kauto Star at Aintree. Stablemate I'm So Lucky will also represent Pond House.

Paul Nicholls has declared all three of his entries, Tatenen, Poquelin and Chapoturgeon, who will be ridden by Timmy Murphy.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has a great record in the Cheltenham race, runs Knowhere and Ballyfitz, while Tom George will be looking for a better performance from Tartak after his disappointing show at Aintree.

The Irish have not left Prestbury Park with the prize since the recently-retired Michael O'Brien won it with Bright Highway in 1980. This year's hopes rest on the heavily-backed Tranquil Sea from Edward O'Grady's yard – 6-1 favourite with the sponsors – and Northern Alliance, Tony Martin's Kerry National winner.

Alan King's Tarotino, Nicky Henderson's My Petra and Andy Turnell's Bible Lord are also there. Howard Johnson's Akilak was taken out at the 48-hour stage, enabling Keith Goldsworthy's Hold Em to gain a place in the line-up.

Today's big race at Cheltenham is the Grade Two Sharp Novices' Hurdle. Some Present, the 11-4 second favourite, returns to the course after finishing second to Dunguib at the Festival in March. "He'll have to be at his best," said jockey Davy Russell. "It is always a bit of a comfort returning to a place where your horse has run well before."

Meanwhile, yesterday's action at Clonmel had to be called off due to a waterlogged track. The meeting, which was set to feature the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase, has been rescheduled for Wednesday 18 November.