Gold Cup battle for top trainers

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.

Shortest in the betting is Inca Trail, the general 5-1 second favourite behind French raider Kelami.

A full-brother to Best Mate, Inca Trail will be ridden by Ruby Walsh, who coaxed him home with hands and heels to score cosily at the Esher track last month.