TODAY’S Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown looks increasingly like being the pivotal event in the trainers’ championship race, with Martin Pipe and Paul Nicholls responsible for over half the field in the final big event of the jumps season.

Connections of Monty’s Pass are expecting the 11-year-old to make a bold bid to repeat last year’s memorable victory in the Martell Cognac Grand National on Saturday.

MACS GILDORAN was the only surprise withdrawal from the Martell Cognac Grand National at yesterday's forfeit stage, leaving a total of 77 entries remaining in the race a week on Saturday.