Champs heads Irish Gold Cup trio

Sir Des Champs heads three Irish challengers among 12 six-day acceptors for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

Willie Mullins' star could also be joined by First Lieutentant, who is also owned by Gigginstown Stud and who has the Ryanair Chase as an alternative target.

The owners are also responsible for another potential member of the raiding party, the Tony Martin-trained Bog Warrior.

Bobs Worth is currently favourite for the Blue Riband event.

Nicky Henderson's charge won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on his only start this season having landed the RSA Chase at last year's Festival.

He is expected to be joined in the field by stablemate Long Run, who will wear cheek pieces in his bid to win chasing's blue riband for the second time.

Silviniaco Conti is a leading player for Paul Nicholls while last year's runner-up The Giant Bolster and Argento Chase winner Cape Tribulation are lively outsiders.

Last year's winning connections, Jonjo O'Neill, JP McManus and Tony McCoy are set to be represented by Sunnyhillboy while King George runner-up Captain Chris, Welsh National hero Monbeg Dude and Wayward Prince complete the field.