Denman heads 38 in Gold Cup

There were no surprises amongst the 38 horses entered for the totesport.com Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 13.

The first six home in 2008 are all set to re-oppose, headed by the Paul Nicholls trio Denman, Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges, who dominated the finish 12 months ago.

The champion trainer has ample back-up with Big Buck's, My Will, Nozic, Gungadu and Star De Mohaison all engaged.

Following home the Nicholls team last year was Halcon Genelardais, recent Lexus Chase winner Exotic Dancer and Nigel Twiston-Davies' Knowhere and all are entered again.

War Of Attrition, winner of the race in 2006, spearheads Ireland's challenge with Tom Taaffe's trio of Cane Break, Slim Pickings and Finger Onthe Pulse also entered along with Welsh National winner Notre Pere.

Twiston-Davies has Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander while the runner-up from that race, Barbers Shop, could represent the Queen.

Last year's respective Arkle and SunAlliance Chase winners Tidal Bay and Albertas Run could also take their chances.

David Pipe is numerically strong with two of last year's Festival winners Our Vic and An Accordion heading his entries.

He also has an intriguing entry in the shape of French import Or Noir De Somoza, a multiple Grade One winner in his native country, along with Hennessy winner Madison Du Berlais.

As well as Barbers Shop, Nicky Henderson could run 2005 Hennessy winner Trabolgan, who returned from a three-year absence at Ascot last month but was pulled-up.

Air Force One, Roll Along, Snoopy Loopy, State Of Play and The Listener are other contenders.