Taquin Du Seuil misses Cheltenham date as 16 run in Caspian Caviar Gold Cup

Taquin Du Seuil was a surprise absentee as a field of 16 was declared for the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Jonjo O'Neill's charge had been expected to try to supplement his win in last month's BetVictor Gold Cup, but he failed to feature leaving Village Vic at the head of the weights.

Taquin Du Seuil could now run in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas after the ground was deemed too quick for him at Cheltenham.

Guy Upton, O'Neill's assistant, said: "It's purely a ground thing, his owners didn't want to risk him.

"He's got an entry in the Lexus and that is now an option. It's frustrating, but there you go."

Philip Hobbs' Village Vic was beaten just a neck by Taquin Du Seuil last month, with third-placed Buywise and fourth home Aso also trying their luck again.

The Warren Greatrex-trained Aloomomo has been declared but with the proviso that he will not run unless significant rain.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has two chances, Bouvreuil, who has replaced Aloomomo at the head of the ante-post betting in recent days, and Frodon.

Kylemore Lough takes his chance for Kerry Lee with Harry Fry represented by Thomas Brown.

Man-of-the-moment Colin Tizzard runs both Quite By Chance and Sizing Codelco.

Module, King's Odyssey, Solar Impulse, Roman Flight, Turban and Full Shift complete the list.