Paul Nicholls’ Woolcombe Folly will head the weights for the 2011 Spinal Research The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup (December Gold Cup) at Cheltenham on Saturday.
After stablemate Poquelin was left out at the latest confirmation stage, the field is starting to take shape for Saturday’s famous race and it looks like being a high class renewal.
David Pipe’s Paddy Power Cup winner Great Endeavour could be on his way to Prestbury Park and he could be joined by runner-up Quantitativeeasing and third home Divers, as the three prepare to clash for the second time at Cheltenham.
Speaking about Great Endeavour, Pipe explained: "Great Endeavour won the Paddy Power Gold Cup and then two weeks later ran in the Hennessy and now a further two weeks on is going to run at Cheltenham, which is not ideal, but he seems well at home and it looks likely he will take his chance.
Paul Nicholls also has Ghizao engaged in the race, while Alan King is leaning towards running Medermit in the contest.
We caught up with StanJames.com spokesman Rory Jiwani who gave his views ahead of the race: "JP McManus's Quantitativeeasing would certainly be an appropriate winner in this economic climate, and he's only been raised one pound for his second place behind Great Endeavour. David Pipe's charge is the 8/1 joint second favourite for this race just two weeks after his fourth place in the Hennessy.
"The withdrawal of Poquelin means race sponsor Andy Stewart's hopes will be shouldered by Ghizao who he co-owns with David Johnson. Paul Nicholls' seven-year-old flopped at Exeter but he looked in need of the run and has been backed in from 9/1 to 8/1.
"Havingotascoobydoo has been well backed in recent days with his price tumbling from 20/1 to 12/1. Martin Keighley's novice ran well behind Tanks For That at Cheltenham last month and punters have not been put off by a five-pound hike from the handicapper.
"Willie Mullins' Quel Esprit leads the Irish challenge and has been supported in from 12/1 to 10/1. If his jumping stands up to scrutiny, he will be a danger to all in what looks set to be a competitive renewal."
