Racing: Beef Or Salmon heads a field of nine at the latest forfeit stage for Sunday's prestigious Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Winner in 2003 and runner-up to Rule Supreme 12 months ago, the Michael Hourigan-trained gelding will be out to further enhance his Cheltenham claims.
The 10-year-old is 5-1 favourite for the totesport Gold Cup with the sponsors following his victory in the Lexus Chase over the course and distance in December.
"Everything is on track. He'll do a small bit of work on Friday," Hourigan said.
Hedgehunter, fourth to Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase, will look to continue trainer Willie Mullins' tremendous record in the race.
Mullins has saddled the winner of six of the last seven renewals and has turned to last year's John Smith's Grand National winner this time around.
Ted Walsh has three to choose from in Southern Vic, who also holds an entry in the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase on the same card, last year's Betfred Gold Cup winner Jack High and the veteran Rince Ri.
Frances Crowley is represented by Nil Desperandum, while Stephen Mahon's Troytown Chase winner Prince Of Tara, Sean O'Brien's Strong Project and Arthur Moore's Native Upmanship complete the list of possible runners.
