Genelardais tops Gold Cup contenders

Halcon Genelardais has been left at the head of the weights for the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on April 26.

Alan King’s chaser was narrowly denied a second victory in the Welsh Grand National in December when Miko De Beauchene prevailed in a thrilling finish.

As expected, the high-profile Paul Nicholls trio of Kauto Star, Neptune Collonges and Star De Mohaison have all been taken out.

The champion trainer could still run Hoo La Baloo and Le Duc though.

There are a host of Grand National runners who could seek to make amends including Knowhere, Vodka Bleu, Bewleys Berry, D’Argent, Joaaci, Backbeat and Mon Mome.

Tony Martin’s Royal County Star, second in the Irish Grand National, stablemates Patsy Hall and Newbay Prop, Pat Hughes’ Point Barrow and Martin Brassil’s Pay It Forward represent the Irish challenge.

Ante-post favourite Ungaro, National casualty Butler’s Cabin and Oliver Sherwood’s Caribou are also among 41 left in the race.