Despite his hefty task, the sponsors have installed him as their 6-1 favourite.

Gwankako and Our Vic are in receipt of 2lb while Willie Mullins’ Scotsirish is due to get 3lb.

Former winner Tamarinbleu and Paddy Power casualty Chapoturgeon are next in the weights (11st 8lb) with Paddy Power runner-up and Mullins’ mare J’y Vole on 11st 6lb.

The Tim Vaughan pair of Atouchbetweenacara and Stan are on 11st 3lb.

Razor Royale (10st 9lb), Seven Is My Number (10st 8lb) and Pop (10st 4lb) are other interesting contenders.

Saturday’s Newbury winner Mount Oscar (10st 9lb) may also take his chance for the in-form Colin Tizzard.

“We are hoping to run Mount Oscar in the Boylesports.com Gold Cup,” said Tizzard.

“I can’t believe what he has achieved already this season and he looks in the form of his life so we decided to give him a chance in a top handicap chase.

“I thought that Paddy Brennan was very cool on him at Newbury – he didn’t really have a real go at the horse until halfway up the run-in and Mount Oscar stayed on well.

“He’s gone up to 140, which would give us a lovely weight if the horses at the top of the handicap take their chances. He will enjoy running over two miles and five furlongs in a really fast run handicap – his stamina came into play at Newbury.

“If he runs really well at Cheltenham, then he could take his chance in the Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.”

Boylesports.com Gold Cup – sponsors bet: 6-1 Tranquil Sea, 7-1 Atouchbetweenacara, Chapoturgeon, Poquelin, 10-1 Gwanako, Hold Em, J’y Vole, Scotsirish, Seven Is My Number, Tamarinbleu, 12-1 Pop, Razor Royale, 14-1 bar.