IRISH GO FOR GOLD AT NEWBURY There is a strong Irish presence in Saturday`s Stg#100,000 Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury following today`s confirmation stage.This is despite the absence of the Arthur Moore-trained duo The Gatherer and Masalarian, the two most notable defections from the race. Trainer Pat Hughes is set to be represented by Pierse Hurdle winner Grinkov and also has Topacio in the race, while Miss Emer (Noel Meade) and Saddler`s Bay (Tony Martin) could also make the journey to Britain. Martin Pipe is responsible for the top six horses in the weights. Auetaler`s presence at the top of the handicap means the weights for the prestigious event will rise by 7lb. The Nicholashayne trainer, who sent out Make A Stand to win the race in 1997, is responsible for eight of the 28 horses left in the race including leading fancies Mr Cool, Valiramix, Copeland and Hit And Run. Ante-post favourite Landing Light, an impressive winner at Cheltenham last month, is one of two possibles for trainer Nicky Henderson, who has captured the contest for two of the last three years. The rise in the weights, plus a 4lb penalty, puts Landing Light on the 10st 2lb mark. Hidebound is the other remaining entry for the master of Seven Barrows. Other leading fancies to stand their ground include Hulysse Royal, Master Tern and Rooster Booster, who finished third behind Grinkov and Sunday`s Leopardstown winner Ricardo in the Pierse Hurdle. The latter`s jockey Richard Johnson told the Racing Channel today: 'He ran a very good race in the Pierse Hurdle and hopefully he should run very well.'
