Big two head Gold Cup field

Arch rivals and stablemates Kauto Star and Denman head a field of 12 left in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday at the confirmation stage.

Kauto Star became the first horse to regain the blue riband prize when beating his fellow Paul Nicholls inmate 12 months ago.

Next week he bids to join the likes of Arkle and Best Mate as triple Gold Cup winners.

Denman had Kauto Star back in second place when successful two years ago and needs to bounce back after unseating Tony McCoy at Newbury last month.

Tricky Trickster and My Will complete a four-strong Nicholls team while there will be plenty of support for Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Imperial Commander, who was only beaten a nose by Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock earlier in the season.

Last year’s RSA Chase victor Cooldine from Willie Mullins’ stable and Noel Meade’s Casey Jones make up the Irish challenge.

Completing the list are Calgary Bay, Carruthers, Cerium, Grand National winner Mon Mome and Mr Pointment.

The horses withdrawn were Albertas Run, Aran Concerto, Madison Du Berlais, Notre Pere, Schindlers Hunt, Taranis and Without A Friend.