Tranquil misses Paddy Power

Last year's winner Tranquil Sea is the most notable defector as the five-day entries were revealed for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Trainer Edward O'Grady looks set to rely on Catch Me, one of three Irish challengers left in the prestigious contest.

The JP McManus pair of Finger Onthe Pulse, trained by Tom Taaffe, and Michael Hourigan's Dancing Tornado complete the trio.

Taaffe revealed today: “We are happy with Finger Onthe Pulse and it is the intention to go to Cheltenham for the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday.

“It was a cracking run in the Kerry National - he only got collared at the last fence. It was a great effort carrying his penalties, he is in good form and we are hoping to go there as a livewire.

“He just lost the map last season but seemed to find it again in Galway, and in the Kerry National as well. I’m really pleased with him, it’s great to see him coming back and let’s hope he can stay on track.”

McManus, looks set to be well represented in the race with, Sunnyhillboy, and Can't Buy Time also in the reckoning.

Sunnyhillboy is the shortest price of the quartet in the betting, but retained rider Tony McCoy looks set to partner one of the other runners.

McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said: "Sunnyhillboy has quite a light weight, so I don't think Tony will be riding him. I'd imagine he'll be on one of the others.

"They are all in good form and I don't think the ground would bother them either way."

Conditional jockey Ian Popham will take the ride on top-weight Poquelin.

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old was second to Tranquil Sea in the race 12 months ago, but is now a stone higher in the weights.

He will head to Prestbury Park in fine form having finished a narrow second to Monet's Garden in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month, and his owner Andy Stewart is delighted to have secured Popham's services.

"Obviously, Ruby (Walsh) is not going to be fit to ride for some time and with top weight, we thought we would book Ian as he's a very useful 5lb claimer," said Stewart.

"He won the big race at Wincanton on Saturday, so we're delighted to have him.

"I thought Poquelin was going to win at Aintree but well done to Nicky Richards and Monet's Garden - who's nearly old enough to buy a round of drinks!

"We hope our horse has improved but obviously we have top weight and it's going to be a big ask for him.

"But if he's good enough to be a Ryanair Chase horse, he's got to be there or thereabouts."

The ante-post favourite for the race is Nicky Henderson's talented performer Long Run, but Stewart believes that one will have to brush up on his jumping if he is to be successful.

"The reports are that Long Run is in blinding form, but he'll have to jump better than he did in the RSA Chase, where he clobbered the last four fences," the owner added.

Stewart also has Tatenen and Gwanako engaged in this weekend's feature event, but both would appear unlikely runners at this stage.

"We also have Tatenen entered and we're not ruling it out, but I think he's more likely to run at Ascot on Saturday week," Stewart continued.

"He ran very well at Kempton the other day. I thought he was going to win at one stage but he got tired and Richard (Rowe) did say he would improve for the run.

"Gwanako is also in, but the plan with him is to go for the Grand Sefton over the National fences on Becher Chase day at Aintree."

Poquelin heads a total of 26 remaining entries in the Grade Three prize, with Nicholls also leaving in Tchico Polos.

Long Run is one of two entries for Henderson, with Mad Max another major contender for top honours while Great Endeavour, Little Josh and Edgbriar are other interesting possibles.

The latter is not a certain starter, however, as like Gwanako, he has the Grand Sefton at Aintree as an option.

"We've confirmed him for the Paddy Power but we've also got on an eye in the Grand Sefton," trainer Paul Webber told At The Races.

"Obviously it's difficult to win the Paddy Power and we've gone up 8lb for winning at Cheltenham in October.

"But he's had a run under his belt. He has always operated well round Cheltenham and the ground might be better there than elsewhere, which is important for Edgbriar. He seems in very good form."