The eagerly-awaited clash between Paul Nicholls’ two brilliant chasers, Denman and
Kauto Star, in the 2008 Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup moved one step closer today following the publication of the remaining forfeits for chasing’s Blue Riband event, which takes place on Friday, March 14.
The big two have failed to deter their opponents in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with 34 entries remaining, five more than at the same stage in 2007. The 2006 winner Kicking King, 2007 runner-up Exotic Dancer, Irish Hennessy Gold Cup winner The Listener and Letheby & Christopher Chase victor Knowhere are among other leading contenders.
Only eight horses have come out of the Gold Cup - Dom D’Orgeval, In Compliance, Madison Du Berlais, Mister Top Notch, Offshore Account, Our Vic, Strong Flow and Tamarinbleu, who remains in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase, although his trainer David Pipe has yet to finalise a target.
“Tamarinbleu will run in either the Queen Mother Chase or the Ryanair Chase. A decision will be made closer to the time but he’s in good form. They’re both going to be hot races,” said Pipe.