Racing: Horus made favourite for Cheltenham prize

Horus and his stable companion Cyfor Malta spearhead a five-horse assault by Martin Pipe on the Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday. Horus is the 7-2 favourite to give the champion trainer a third success in the race.

A former hunter-chaser, Horus impressed when winning with ease at Newbury two weeks ago. However the seven-year-old has disappointed when made a big-race favourite in the past – notably when pulling up in the Foxhunter Chase at the 2002 Cheltenham Festival.

Horus was handled by the trainer's son, David, in his hunter-chasing days. He is currently 2lb out of the handicap on 9st 12lb. Cyfor Malta, set to shoulder 11st 12lb on Saturday, ran out an impressive nine-length winner under top weight in the Thomas Pink Gold Cup at Prestbury Park last month.

Cyfor Malta was yesterday on offer at around 5-1. It remains to be seen which will be the mount of Tony McCoy. Pipe could also be represented by Wahiba Sands, Seebald and Exit Swinger.

A total of 17 horses stood their ground yesterday for Saturday's race, run over two miles and five furlongs. Willie Mullins said that Killultagh Storm had worked well yesterday morning and would be his only runner at the meeting. Another Irish challenger, Ross Moff, trained by Tony Martin, is the 6-1 third favourite.

* Tomorrow's racing at Hexham has been abandoned because the track is waterlogged.