Star and Denman stand Gold ground

Past winners Kauto Star and Denman head 19 acceptors for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup following the first scratchings deadline.

Kauto Star, who became the first horse to regain chasing’s blue riband when successful last March, has been saved for next month’s feature after winning the King George VI Chase for the fourth successive year on St Stephen's Day.

Denman, winner in 2008 and runner-up last spring, blotted his copybook when unseating Tony McCoy in the Aon Chase at Newbury last Saturday.

They are both trained by Paul Nicholls, whose Gold Cup team of six is completed by My Will, Taranis, Tricky Trickster and What A Friend.

Imperial Commander looks the pick of the rest of the home contingent while the five remaining Irish-trained entries are Aran Concerto, Casey Jones, Cooldine, Notre Pere and Schindlers Hunt.

There were several familiar names among the withdrawals including Air Force One, In Compliance and Money Trix.

Others taken out were Cloudy Lane, Glencove Marina, Rare Bob, Roll Along and Trabolgan.