For a number of years now the Irish Gold Cup has become increasingly irrelevant as a Cheltenham trial and this renewal is more notable for those that are missing, rather than those who are running, writes Pat Keane.

Road To Riches is “50-50” to take his up his engagement in the 32Red King George VI Chase, according to trainer Noel Meade.

Cue Card will carry the hopes of Britain in today’s Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup as the 10-year-old seeks to crown a stunning season by landing a £1m (€1.3m) bonus.

Before heading to Cheltenham, our racing correspondent eyes up the five horses every Festival conversation either begins or ends with.

Darren Norris and Tommy Lyons argue their cases...

Colin Tizzard last night revealed Ladbrokes World Hurdle favourite Thistlecrack will aimed at the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup next year.

Colin Tizzard can barely wait for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup with Cue Card.

Trainer Colin Tizzard confirmed Cue Card will head straight for the Cheltenham Gold Cup following his thrilling victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday.

Philip Hobbs may work backwards from the Scottish Grand National with Sausalito Sunrise after revealing he is likely to swerve the Welsh equivalent.

Colin Tizzard believes Cue Card “deserves” to have the William Hill King George VI Chase on his roll of honour.

Bryan Cooper admitted he could be on the wrong horse in the Bibby Financial Services Ireland Gold Cup at Punchestown today having picked Road To Riches over Don Cossack.

Sam Twiston-Davies feels connections will learn an awful lot about smart novice Ptit Zig in today’s Betfair Ascot Chase.

Joe Tizzard believes Cue Card heads for the King George in better shape than he was 12 months ago.

Davy Condon has decided not to appeal against the 15-day suspension and £3,150 fine handed to him by the Ascot stewards on Saturday.

Joe Tizzard feels there is more improvement to come from Cue Card when the horse bids to erase the memory of last year’s agonising defeat in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.

The enforced absence of Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy has resulted in a mass entry of 18 for the 888sport Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.

Colin Tizzard is hopeful history can repeat itself as Cue Card aims to retain his crown in what promises to be another thrilling renewal of the Betfair Chase at Haydock today.

Daryl Jacob warmed up for his big ride on Cue Card in perfect fashion by riding a double at Haydock on Friday.

Colin Tizzard remains upbeat about Cue Card’s chances of retaining his crown in the Betfair Chase at Haydock following his comprehensive defeat at Exeter on Tuesday.

Cue Card is on course to make his seasonal reappearance in next month’s Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

Cue Card is back in training and pleasing trainer Colin Tizzard after undergoing a breathing operation.

Jockey Joe Tizzard has lost none of his faith in Cue Card, despite snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in the William Hill King George VI Chase.

Paul Nicholls has already collected the William Hill King George VI Chase more times than any trainer in history and he believes Silviniaco Conti and Al Ferof hold equally good chances of providing his eighth winner at Kempton on Thursday.

Colin Tizzard believes Kempton will suit Cue Card down to the ground when his stable star attempts to justify favouritism in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.

Cue Card is said to be “a happy horse” after his superb victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Richard Johnson is confident Wishfull Thinking is ready to run up to his best as he looks to defy top-weight in today’s Betfred Monet’s Garden Old Roan Chase at Aintree.

It was supposed to be the race of the season but the John Smith’s Melling Chase served as just another opportunity to look on with wonder at Sprinter Sacre.

Colin Tizzard's veteran Oiseau De Nuit (20-1) provided young jockey Brendan Powell with an Aintree winner to follow up his Cheltenham success in the matalan.co.uk Red Rum Handicap Chase.

Trainer Colin Tizzard has confirmed Cue Card on course for a thrilling possible clash with Sprinter Sacre in the John Smith’s Melling Chase at Aintree on Friday week.

Cue Card, trained by Colin Tizzard and ridden by Joe Tizzard, won the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Trainer Colin Tizzard has challenged Cue Card’s rivals to take him on from the front in today’s Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Sprinter Sacre will have six rivals in tomorrow’s Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot, if the meeting survives a 4.30pm precautionary inspection today.

Solwhit will build on his most encouraging return to action at Punchestown last month in Saturday’s Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas.