Kauto Star Bidding To Join Arkle But Must Beat Denman

Paul Nicholls’s duo Kauto Star and Denman are the stand-out horses in the revised 12-horse field for this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup on 19 March.

Grand National winner Mon Mome is also in the confirmed starting line-up.

Denman won the Cup in 2008 while last year Kauto Star became the first horse to regain it, adding the 2009 title to his 2007 triumph.

He will hope to emulate Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate with a third win in this year’s race.

Nicholls has two other mounts in the field – Tricky Trickster and My Will – while Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Imperial Commander is also expected to be a serious challenger.The Irish challenge comes from Willie Mullins’s Cooldine, and Noel Meade’s Casey Jones, and the list is completed by Calgary Bay, Carruthers, Cerium and Mr Pointment.

The horses withdrawn were Albertas Run, Aran Concerto, Madison Du Berlais, Notre Pere, Schindlers Hunt, Taranis and Without A Friend.

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: