Sponsors Not Expecting Gold Shock

Totesport are offering 7-2 that any horse other than 2007 winner Kauto Star or Denman can land the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Paul Nicholls-trained duo have set the game alight this season with their dazzling performances and are not scheduled to meet until the big day on March 14.

Paul Petrie, totesport spokesman, commented: 'There are no real shocks among the 42 runners and as far as we are concerned the winner will come from the first two in the betting.

'However, with so many quality horses running for you in this market, I am sure the 7-2 will prove a popular bet.'

Champion handler Nicholls can also choose from Star De Mohaison, Gungadu, Turko and Neptune Collonges.

Kicking King is poised to make his comeback later this month.

Tom Taaffe's 2005 scorer is one of 11 Irish entries, with the likes of In Compliance, Mossbank and the Willie Mullins pair of Snowy Morning and Rule Supreme forming a formidable team.

Last year's respective second and third, Exotic Dancer and Turpin Green, are entered again along with Aces Four, L'Antartique and Another Promise from the Ferdy Murphy yard.

David Pipe has six possibles, with Celestial Gold and Our Vic spearheading the Pond House team's sextet.

My Way De Solzen and Beef Or Salmon are among the notable absentees.

(C) PA Sport