Nicholls trio lead Gold contenders

Denman, Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges, the first three home in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup 12 months ago, all stood their ground at the confirmation stage for this year’s renewal at the Festival on Friday.

The trio are trained by Paul Nicholls, but it is Kauto Star who is favourite this year to become the first horse to regain the crown, and dethrone Denman in the process.

A total of 17 horses were left in the blue riband, including 2006 winner War Of Attrition.

Jonjo O’Neill has a strong hand through Tony McCoy’s mount Exotic Dancer – the perennial bridesmaid to Kauto Star – and Albertas Run, winner of last year’s RSA Chase.

Nicholls also has Star De Mohaison and My Will still in the hunt while Hennessy winner Madison Du Berlais, who beat Denman at Kempton last time, has also been left in the race.

Barbers Shop and Air Force One are other notable contenders while Halcon Genelardais, Knowhere, Miko De Beauchene, Roll Along, Snoopy Loopy and rank outsider Cerium complete the possible line-up.

There were no major surprises amongst the withdrawals with Big Buck’s a World Hurdle contender while the likes of State Of Play and Snowy Morning are on the John Smith’s Grand National trail.