PAUL Nicholls believes whatever beats Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup will have to be “exceptional”.

Snowy Morning is now the 10-1 clear favourite for the John Smith’s Grand National following the publication of the weights.

ANTE-POST punters have suffered a blow yesterday when trainer Martin Brassil revealed Numbersixvalverde had not been entered for the John Smith’s Grand National after failing to make sufficient progress from injury.

Neptune Collonges, Mr Pointment and Mon Mome all feature among the 18 horses removed from the Coral Welsh National at the first forfeit stage.

Man of the moment Sam Thomas continued in a rich vein of form when steering Quarry Town to victory in the EBF ’National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Ludlow

Trainer Richard Phillips hopes recent recruit Pak Jack can make it third-time lucky over the Grand National fences when he lines-up for the totesport.com Becher Chase on Sunday.

Denman spearheads a five-strong Paul Nicholls hand in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Chase, for which a total of 73 entries have been received.