Nicholls declares five for Gold Cup

Paul Nicholls will bid to emulate the feat of Michael Dickinson, who trained the first five home in 1983, as the champion trainer has five of the 16 declared for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The Ditcheat team is headed by the last two 'blue riband' winners, Kauto Star and Denman, while last year's third Neptune Collonges along with My Will and Star De Mohaison complete the quintet.

Jonjo O'Neill is double-handed with both Albertas Run and Exotic Dancer standing their ground, while Barbers Shop runs for Nicky Henderson in the colours of the Queen.

Hennessy Gold Cup one-two Madison Du Berlais and Air Force One both take part, while Cerium, Knowhere, Miko De Beauchene, Roll Along, Halcon Genelardais and Snoopy Loopy complete the line-up.

The only absentee from the five-day confirmations is War Of Attrition, who suffered a setback earlier in the week.