Long Run heads 34 initial entries for this year’s Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup and the defending champion also leads the betting as the 5/2 favourite, ahead of the remarkable Kauto Star, who is 4/1 to reclaim the crown.

Paul Nicholls’ star is the only horse to have ever regained the Gold Cup title and will be bidding to do it for a second attempt on the back of victories in the Betfair Chase and the King George VI Chase. If Kauto manages it, Nicholls’ charge will go down as one of the greatest-ever horses, although those revenge successes recently over Long Run have not overturned the odds for the Festival.

What A Friend, who finished fourth last season, returns for another tilt for Nicholls, alongside Poqueline, Tidal Bay and The Minack.

David Pipe has entered his leading novice chaser Grands Crus, who is priced at 8/1 for Gold Cup glory, although he is also the 5/2 favourite to land the RSA Chase at 5/2.

“Long Run and Kauto Star currently head the market for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup after their epic tussles in both the Betfair Chase and King George this season but Grands Crus is an extremely interesting entry and punters can now back David Pipe’s novice safe in the knowledge that they will get their money back should the horse take up an alternative entry at the Festival,” said Betfred spokesman George Primarolo.

Lexus CHase victor Synchronised is next best in the betting at 10/1, ahead of Captain Chris at 16/1, while Weird Al, Quito De La Roque and Time For Rupert are all on offer at 20/1.