Talking points, analysis and a tip for the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Talking points

1. Another small entry

Just 27 have been entered for the Gold Cup, ten per cent down on last year's figure, which was itself low enough to spark comment. It is the lowest entry since the Kauto Star/Denman era, when the same number were entered for the 2010 race. That was reported as the lowest entry "in recent times"; it was noted that fewer than 20 were entered for each of Arkle's Gold Cups in the 1960s but the initial entry stage was probably not so early in those days.

Millers Bank and Hitman have been left out after failing to make a mark in the King George. Willie Mullins has left out a handful of horses who would have been potential contenders if fully fit: Asterion Forlonge, Tornado Flyer and Jungle Boogie.