Bleu backed after Pipe praise

Vodka Bleu is challenging Taranis for outright favouritism in the Paddy Power Gold Cup after David Pipe’s bullish appraisal of his chances.

The seven-year-old has been cut to 5-1 (from 6s) with the sponsors and joined Taranis at the head of the market at 4-1 (from 13-2) with Stan James after Pipe suggested a two-year absence would not prove a hindrance at Cheltenham on Saturday.