Tornado out of Vote AP Gold Cup Dancing Tornado is the most prominent absentee after 16 runners were declared for the Vote AP Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday. The Michael Hourigan-trained nine-year-old was runner-up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Prestbury Park last month but is reportedly not quite firing on all cylinders. "Michael just wasn't happy with him after work on Wednesday morning, so he didn't send him across," said Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus. "It's a long way to come with a horse if they're not 100% right so we'll get him back and hopefully he'll be out again in the new year." The Nicky Henderson-trained Dave's Dream is favourite for the Grade Three handicap following a bloodless seasonal debut at the track. Henderson is also responsible for Mad Max, fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup behind Little Josh, who reopposes for the Nigel Twiston-Davies team. Twiston-Davies has a strong hand, with Cheltenham Festival winner Pigeon Island running from out of the handicap. In Dancing Tornado's absence, the Irish challenge is made up of Duers, Gonebeyondrecall, the Tony Martin duo Northern Alliance and Psycho, and Tom Taaffe's Finger Onthe Pulse who is poised to be ridden by Tony McCoy. The race is named in honour of the 15-times champion's quest to be crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year later in the month. Paul Nicholls' Poquelin will carry top weight and is joined in the line-up by classy stablemate Robinson Collonges. David Pipe is also double-handed with Great Endeavour and Matuhi. Nicky Richards' Noble Alan flies the northern flag, with Calgary Bay and Sunnyhillboy also in the shake-up. Pickamus was taken out by Henry Daly.
