Shanpallas & Orpheus go for Gold There are two Irish hopefuls among a field of 19 declared for the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday. Charles Byrnes' Munster National hero Shanpallas is joined on the trip to Cheltenham by the Thomas Gibney-trained Orpheus Valley. Last year's winner Johns Spirit warmed up for a repeat bid with victory over the course on his seasonal return last month and spearheads the home defence. With Rajdhani Express and Uxizandre having been withdrawn as expected, Jonjo O'Neill's charge now heads the handicap along with Oscar Whisky from Nicky Henderson's stable. Ante-post favourite Present View is set to take his chance for trainer Jamie Snowden, while Evan Williams saddles leading contender Buywise and King Massini. Among the other fancied runners are Emma Lavelle's Edgardo Sol, Martin Keighley's stable stalwart Champion Court and Malcolm Jefferson's Attaglance. Last year's runner-up Colour Squadron, who is engaged to run at Cheltenham on Friday, was the most significant defection.
