Lord Noelie ready to outgun opponents

It makes for a puzzling Gold Cup ante-post. Up to five of the betting's top dozen meet here, with a few dark horses and race-fit spoilers thrown in.

Shotgun Willy is a more likely contender than stablemate See More Business. Sackville and Lord Noelie are definite starters, with Legal Right as certain as his notorious fragility and preference for easy ground will allow. What a race.

Although See More Business has won the last two renewals, the 2001 trophy doesn't have his name on it. Aged 11, he's probably in slow decline and may not retain his enthusiasm. He dropped himself out when taken on for the lead in last April's Martell Cup and wouldn't have things his own way here, either. His younger stable companion was a premier-league novice last term and even scalped an 80 per cent fit First Gold - Cheltenham ante-post favourite - at Newbury in February. Discard his Kempton and Aintree defeats: he can't race right-handed or handle heavy ground.

Wetherby's left-handed, galloping track - the ground dried out from good-to-soft to good - is more Shotgun Willy's style. But, while one of the more palatable Gold Cup bets, he'll be no price here.

He must also concede 6lb to Lord Noelie, who's already done what Shotgun Willy only might have: win the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, the novices' Gold Cup. From a yard that's hit this new jumps season running, this gelding could be under-rated here.

Given a patient ride in ground deemed too testing, Lord Noelie took second behind First Gold from tiring Legal Right in the Martell Cup. A better performer on this sound surface, as he showed at the 2000 Festival, Henrietta Knight's charge can maintain superiority.

Legal Right looked a real threat to First Gold at Aintree until weakening dramatically three fences out. It may be he doesn't truly stay three miles at the highest class, but this flat track and better ground will help.

Irish raider Sackville managed to race ten times as a novice last season, winning seven. He wasn't often tested and needs to improve, but remains progressive and last month's 'disappointing' return was over an inadequate trip.

The rest? Spring horse What's Up Boys may just be a smart handicapper. Improving Streamstown will find this too tough. Beau proved short of this class last term. French recruit Sleeping Night is hard to assess on his UK debut. Flying Instructor is at least fit and could nick a place. Game on.

Charlie Hall Chase selections:

1, Lord Noelie; 2, Shotgun Willy; 3, Sackville.