NATIONAL FAVOURITE CONFIRMED FOR DONCASTER FEATURE Martell Grand National favourite Noble Lord was among 32 horses confirmed today for Saturday`s Pertemps Great Yorkshire Chase.Richard Phillips` charge, a winner at Haydock on his latest appearance, is currently on the 10st 11lb mark for the #40,000 Doncaster contest.Heading the weights are the Alan King-trained Mulligan and beaten Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup favourite Kingsmark from Martin Todhunter`s yard.Kingsmark`s owner Robert Ogden could also be represented by Ad Hoc, a faller on both his starts for trainer Paul Nicholls this season including in the Hennessy.Venetia Williams has three horses remaining in the race, namely Crocadee, Royale de Vassy and King On The Run - the last-named unbeaten in two starts this season.Martin Pipe has two possibles _ Northern Starlight and last year`s Grand National favourite Dark Stranger.Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has won the race with Young Hustler (1993) and Beau (2000), could be represented by Bosuns Mate.Others to stand their ground include Hennessy runner-up Gingembre and Mary Reveley`s Brother Of Iris, who was withdrawn at the start when favourite for this event 12 months` ago.
