News: Ruby Walsh is confident he can waste down to close to the minimum weight in order to give Granit Jack his optimum chance in today's Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Paul Nicholls' grey had luck on his side to sneak into the big Cheltenham handicap right at the bottom of the 20-horse field on 10st.

It will be a first start over British fences for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle runner-up, although he is a multiple chase winner in his native France. Punters have not been put off though, and Granit Jack is set to be sent off favourite.

"I won't be too far away from the weight, although I'd say the first time I'll have a full Irish breakfast will be Sunday morning," said Walsh, who is still looking for a first Paddy Power victory. He's been working and schooling very well and Paul says he has him in great nick.

"This is his first run over these fences and he's back over two and a half miles, but he's won over the trip in France so you'd have to be hopeful he'll stay. He's streetwise too, but of course it's a tough race."

Nigel Twiston-Davies is confident about his pair, Knowhere and Patman Du Charmil, with the former boasting a recent course and distance victory.

"Knowhere is a lovely horse, a very similar type to my horse Imperial Commander and I am expecting a huge run from him," said Twiston-Davies. "Patman is in great nick too, and it will take a good horse to beat us."

Richard Johnson would like to see a change of fortune for Private Be, who returns to Cheltenham after being brought down at the course last month. Philip Hobbs' progressive sort was in the hands of amateur Josh Guerriero when he came to grief at the second last in the race won by Knowhere.

Noel Meade sends Ballyagran, second in the Galway Plate back in August.

Paddy Power Gold Cup betting: Totesport:7-2 Granit Jack, 11-2 L'Antartique, 7-1 Vodka Bleu, 9-1 Copsale Lad, 10-1 Bob Hall, Private Be, 12-1 Crozan, Knowhere, 16-1 Idole First, 20-1 Palarshan, Three Mirrors, 25-1 Ponmeoath, 40-1 bar.