Only nine horses have been confirmed today for the #50,000 First National Gold Cup Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
Martin Pipe is responsible for three of the possibles including Exit Swinger, runner-up to Lady Cricket in Saturday`s Thomas Pink Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Upgrade and Blowing Wind make up the Nicholashayne team.
The Paul Nicholls-trained Fadalko, an impressive winner at Wincanton last time, heads the weights for the Grade Two contest and is the only Robert Ogden-owned horse in the race.
Venetia Williams` Bellator, who beat Upgrade into second in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on his latest start, could prove another leading contender.
Confirmations: Fadalko, Bellator, Upgrade, Blowing Wind, Eau de Cologne, Exit Swinger, Native Wit, Catfish Keith and Superior Risk (9).
