Day four and it’s the big one, the totesport Gold Cup off at 15.20pm will see the race’s previous two winners go head to head in National Hunt racing’s blue riband event.

Kauto Star is currently the 15/8 favourite to be the first horse ever to regain the race. The trends in general are in favour with the Clive Smith owned 9yo being the right age and having the obvious course form. Add to that a fine display winning his third King George he’s a genuine favourite here. Last season’s sensational winner Denman has had illness and injury worries since and ran poorly on his reappearance at Kempton last month. His price has drifted as a result and is an 11/2 shot with totesport. The horse that beat him at Kempton is Madison Du Berlais, who also won the Hennessy back in November. His form has been spot on but could be overlooked here over doubts as to whether he’ll like the undulating Cheltenham course.

Another horse catching the eye is in the trends book is Alberta’s Run. He won the RSA Chase at last years festival and like Denman the year before he’ll be looking to follow that up by winning the Gold Cup. Despite finishing second to Kauto Star at the King George on Boxing Day he’s thrown in some real stinkers this season and that’s reflected in his price at 16/1 with totesport.

Others with a claim include Paul Nicholls third string Neptunes Collonges, the second favourite at 5/1. Last years third won well in the Irish Hennessy last month and although he jumps and stays all day I’m not sure he has the speed to beat Kauto up the hill.

Looking at outsiders, Barbers Shop would be a popular win as he’s owned by the Queen and his form as runner up in the Paddy Power to today’s Ryanair Chase winner Imperial Commander looks good. At 14/1 he looks the one at a price to take on Kauto Star.

Check out totesport for all prices for the Cheltenham Festival.