At the two-day declaration stage 17 stand their ground for Saturday's big race at Cheltenham - the Boylesports.com Gold Cup. They include ante-post favourite Atouchbetweenacara, partnered by Barry Geraghty, who remains the general 5/1 favourite with leading bookmaker William Hill.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has confirmed Gwanako, who will carry joint-top weight of 11st 12lb with Our Vic, Poquelin, the mount of Ruby Walsh, and Chapoturgeon for Saturday's 2m 5f showpiece.

Sky's The Limit, who was cut by several bookmakers for the race on Wednesday, remains for trainer Edward O'Grady while Willie Mullin's sends over Jayo.

Paddy Power Gold Cup third Hold Em sneaks into the race as bottom weight and will be ridden by Robert Thornton, while The Sawyer and Saphier de Bois are the two reserves.

Among the absentees for the race are recent Sandown winner Seven Is My Number and the Alan King-trained Taratino.