18 still in Gold Cup mix There were no notable defections at the latest confirmation stage for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Silviniaco Conti topping the 18 horses still in contention for the Festival feature. Ballycasey, Champagne Fever, First Lieutenant, Spring Heeled, Theatre Guide and Ma Filleule were all taken out of Friday's Grade One heat, which attracted no supplementary entries. Silviniaco Conti is due to run in the race for the third time and will be joined by his fellow Paul Nicholls inmate Sam Winner. Last year's winner Lord Windermere will try to defend his crown with Bobs Worth, who was successful two years ago, also due to run again. On His Own was a narrow second in 2014 and he is one of several options for Willie Mullins, who also has Djakadam and Boston Bob still engaged. Road To Riches and Carlingford Lough, the last two winners of the Galway Plate, further add to the strong Irish challenge. Hennessy winner Many Clouds, the novice Coneygree and race regular The Giant Bolster are all still in the mix along with Jonjo O'Neill's Holywell. Don Cossack, Home Farm, Houblon Des Obeaux, River Choice and Smad Place complete the possibles.
