CHAMPION Hurdle-winning trainer Dessie Hughes, though, reports Timbera, clear favourite at 9-1 with Cashmans, to be bang on course for Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National.

Beef Or Salmon has recovered from a slight setback and is on course for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

PUNTERS continue to search out soft-ground specialists in the ante-post markets for tomorrow’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury – despite a dry day at the track.

JONJO O’NEILL’S Joss Naylor was well backed yesterday for Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury.

Nicky Henderson has given Irish Hussar the go ahead to run in Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury and is to school the leading fancy in Lambourn tomorrow.

NICKY HENDERSON is considering his options for Fondmort after entering the impressive Paddy Power Gold Cup winner in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.