Those towards the head of the market remain in contention for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday, with a total of 23 horses in the mix following the latest confirmation stage.

John McConnell's Mahler Mission filled the runner-up spot over an inadequate trip in the Colin Parker Chase at Carlisle on his reappearance and he currently heads the betting at 7/1 alongside Paul Nicholls' Complete Unknown, who finished second behind subsequent Grade 1 winner Gerri Colombe at Aintree earlier in the season and made a successful return at Newton Abbot.

Gavin Cromwell has enjoyed a fine start to the National Hunt season and will be hoping Kim Muir runner-up Stumptown can become the first Irish winner since Total Recall landed the prize in 2017.

Last season's Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Ga Law remains in contention with Scottish Grand National hero Kitty's Light, while Dan Skelton, who gained his first success in the staying handicap chase last year with Le Milos, looks set to be solely represented by Midnight River.

Royal Pagaille, Protektorat and Corach Rambler - three horses that contested the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday – were all taken out.

Lucinda Russell's Ahoy Senor currently tops the weights.

David Stevens of race sponsor Coral said: "All the market principals remain in contention for Saturday's Coral Gold Cup, and in what promises to be a classy and competitive renewal, we can't split Complete Unknown for the champion trainer Paul Nicholls, and the Irish raider Mahler Mission, at the head of our betting,"