Forget the Grand National - this is National Hunt's big race...

The runners - three and a bit miles of Cheltenham's undulations at a decent pace against tough competition - and then a stiff run in uphill to the finish, a test of skill and courage on behalf of both the rider and horse, and training ability. Poor horses never win this race, indeed poor horses never race in the Gold Cup.

So who will win?

The nags:

AIR FORCE ONE
ALBERTAS RUN
BARBERS SHOP
CERIUM
DENMAN
EXOTIC DANCER
HALCON GENELARDAIS
KAUTO STAR
KNOWHERE
MADISON DU BERLAIS
MIKO DE BEAUCHENE
MY WILL
NEPTUNE COLLONGES
ROLL ALONG
SNOOPY LOOPY
STAR DE MOHAISON


Denman, last year's winner is just back after a heart op and has had just one prep race, to win again would be an amazing performance of veterinary skill. Kauto Star, the winner two years ago should be in the frame, more so as he has Ruby Walsh on his back but I think Exotic Dancer and Neptune Collonges will battle it out.

For an outside bet Madison Du Berlais has been in good recent form.