Verdict

This looks like a meaningful Gold Cup trial and Celestial Gold is taken to score from Royal Auclair, Ollie Magern and Take The Stand. The Martin Pipe-trained selection finished seventh in last year's Gold Cup but earlier in the season he had won the Hennessy Gold Cup and the Paddy Power Gold Cup. A return to that type of form would make him a leading candidate today and we will be disappointed if he does not go close. Ollie Magern is closely weighted with the selection based on Hennessy form and is respected, although his latest two runs following on from his Charlie Hall Chase win in October have been disappointing. That said, last season's Gold Cup fourth - and Grand National runner-up - Royal Auclair is weighted to beat them both based on Hennessy form. Last season's Scottish Grand National winner, Joe's Edge, has something to prove based on recent runs, the 2003 Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner, One Knight, can never be ruled out of a bold show, while, useful that he is, Lord Of Illusion has a bit to find on ratings to play a part today. Finally, last season's Gold Cup runner-up, Take The Stand, looked to be returning to form last time and can't be ruled out; however, the selection is Celestial Gold.

Formwatch

Ollie Magern 11-1 (11-10) Made most to 12th, stayed handy until beaten 18th, 6th of 9, 40l behind Kicking King (11-10) at Sandown 3m chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Dec.

Celestial Gold (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Held up and behind, mistakes 1st and 5th, steady headway approaching 18th, ridden 2 out, soon no impression, 7th of 15, 24l behind Kicking King (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.

Joes Edge (IRE) 10-1 (10-0) In touch, lost place 9th, behind from 4 out, 4th of 10, well behind Therealbandit (9-10) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Dec.

One Knight (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (11-8) Led 4th until ridden and headed 4 out, chasing winner when fell at the last in race won by L'aventure (10-4) at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gs in Dec, 18 ran.

Royal Auclair (FR) 8-1 (11-10) Tracked leading pair to 11th, weakened 16th, beaten when hit 2 out, 5th of 9, 20l behind Kicking King (11-10) at Sandown 3m chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Dec.

Lord of Illusion (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Led and set good pace, ridden 3 out, 4 lengths clear approaching last, fadingwhen headed final 100 yards, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Joaaci (11-12) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.

Take The Stand (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway to chase winner 5 out, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Therealbandit (9-10) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Dec.