PAUL NICHOLLS reports ante-post favourite Big Buck’s to be in fine shape ahead of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on Saturday.

CHARLIE Mann has Air Force One in “the form of his life” as he prepares his six-year-old for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, for which 31 horses stood their ground at the latest forfeit stage.

Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup favourite Big Buck’s has, along with 30 others, stood his ground at the latest forfeit stage for the prestigious handicap.

DAVY Russell’s cunning ground-saving manoeuvre aboard Dix Villez denied Enda Bolger a fifth consecutive success in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on a theatrical first afternoon of Cheltenham’s Open meeting yesterday.

Charlie Mann believes Air Force One has “every chance” in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Joe Lively goes on trial for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in Saturday’s John Smith’s Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot.

Timmy Murphy healed the wounds of a forgettable 24 hours by mastering the complicated Abragante in the feature race at Wincanton.

CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls will call on the likes of Kauto Star and Denman at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls will call on the likes of Kauto Star and Denman at the Cheltenham Festival next month but of his more low-profile contenders, he is particularly keen on the chance of Nycteos in the Racing Post Plate.