Big guns scare off Gold Cup rivals

KAUTO STAR and Denman's aura of invincibility seems to have scared off potential rivals for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with only 27 entered for the blue riband – the smallest number for years.

Kauto Star could bid to join an elite list of three-time winners of the race if he triumphs on Friday, 19 March. The outstanding chaser is one of six possibles from Paul Nicholls' yard, with 2008 Gold Cup winner Denman likely to prove the strongest opposition to his stablemate, who will be aiming to emulate the likes of Arkle, Golden Miller, Cottage Rake and Best Mate.

What A Friend, My Will, Taranis and Tricky Trickster complete a strong Ditcheat team.

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The Irish challenge is headed by last year's RSA Chase winner Cooldine from Willie Mullins' yard, with the trainer also entering Glencove Marina.

Last year's Ryanair Chase winner Imperial Commander is set to line up for Nigel Twiston-Davies while Madison Du Berlais could represent David Pipe.

Mark Bradstock is keen to let Carruthers take his chance after an effortless victory at Newbury on his latest start.

"There are obviously Kauto Star and Denman, who are both fairly exceptional but, below that, it would be nice to think that we would be in with a shout of making the frame," said Bradstock. "I was over the moon with his (Carruthers'] run at Newbury because it cemented what he did in his novice season.

"He is still a baby and he probably lacks a bit of experience at the moment, but he is improving all of the time and we have plenty to look forward to with him.

"It would be fun to go for the Gold Cup and it would certainly be no disgrace to finish behind the likes of Kauto Star and Denman."

Dessie Hughes has three entries, In Compliance, Schindlers Hunt and Rare Bob, while Noel Meade can choose from Aran Concerto and Casey Jones. Notre Pere, Albertas Run, Money Trix and Calgary Bay are other notable entries.

Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty recorded a short-priced treble at Southwell yesterday as National Hunt racing was fleetingly awoken from its snow-stricken slumber.

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Although seven bumper heats on the all-weather hardly represented a blockbuster draw – there were arguably more horses in attendance than punters – this fixture, the first of its kind, emerged a white knight for embattled jumps trainers. With turf racing locked in the freezer since Plumpton shivered into action on 3 January, Southwell's dogged perseverance in helping to formulate this impromptu meeting has been universally saluted.

Henderson has been one of the most ardent supporters of the milestone project, and with just cause. The Seven Barrows handler and his doughty team braved the treacherous elements to oversee victories for Anquetta, Benartic and Dort Tranquille.

TOTESPORT GOLD CUP

Sponsor's odds: 5-4 Kauto Star, 15-8 Denman, 16-1 Cooldine, Imperial Commander, 20-1 What A Friend, 33-1 Carruthers, Glencove Marina, Madison Du Berlais, Money Trix, Notre Pere, 40-1 bar.