Owner Andy Stewart admits further rain at Cheltenham would tip the scales in favour of Tatenen in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday.

The competitive Cheltenham handicap is one of the few major prizes still to elude champion trainer Paul Nicholls, and this season he saddles three runners in Chapoturgeon and the Stewart-owned duo Poquelin and Tatenen.

Ruby Walsh may have chosen recent course winner Poquelin, but Stewart believes Tatenen could be the one if the rain continues to fall at Prestbury Park.

"Poquelin has won on soft ground but he is obviously a lot better on quick ground as it was pretty fast when he won at Cheltenham last time," said Stewart.

"Tatenen likes a test of stamina so if it does end up being bottomless, I think he would have the better chance.

"Tatenen obviously started off very well last season and won the good novice chase at this meeting 12 months ago, and that made him favourite for the Arkle.

"He was then somehow beaten in a Grade One in Ireland on Boxing Day before falling in the Arkle.

"His last run at Punchestown was probably a run too many but he's in good form now and doesn't have many miles on the clock, so let's give it a go."

Nicky Henderson is represented by My Petra, who had to be pulled up on her latest outing over hurdles at Wetherby after taking the wrong course.

"She's been fine since Wetherby and obviously she didn't really have a race," said the Lambourn handler.

"She's run well round here and jumps well, so the only thing that's going to worry us is if they get a lot of rain.

"Providing they don't get too much rain, she must have a leading chance."

Nigel Twiston-Davies saddled Imperial Commander to success in the race 12 months ago and could hardly be more bullish about his prospects of retaining the valuable pot.

The trainer is represented by Knowhere and Ballyfitz, and believes the latter could be underrated by the handicapper.

"Ballyfitz has got the same sort of profile as Imperial Commander," said Twiston-Davies.

"He is very exciting and he may be the one who is not totally exposed.

"Any rain would help his cause. We are very keen on his chances - he is a real battler and jumps well."

Of Knowhere, Twiston-Davies added: "Tom Molloy will take 5lb off Knowhere's back, but he is a bit in the grip of the handicapper."

Andrew McNamara gets the leg-up on Edward O'Grady's Grade One-winning hurdler Tranquil Sea, a recent scorer at Naas.

"He did it very nicely at Naas and I think that was a good preparation for a race like this," said the jockey.

"He's gone up 8lb for it but I suppose he deserved it.

"Hopefully he's going there with a very good chance."

Although Andy Turnell would prefer good ground for Bible Lord he is happy his runner, a winner at Wetherby two weeks ago, only has to carry 10st 8lb.

The Swindon handler said: "I think he's probably a better horse on good ground, but he has won on pretty heavy ground, so he obviously can handle it."

Tom George hopes Tartak can put behind him a disappointing seasonal debut run at Aintree, where he finished last in the Old Roan Chase.

The Slad trainer said: "His jumping has never been an issue before and a lot of my horses although they are fit, they were a bit ring-rusty.

"It may be he needs a few runs to get his eye back in, but we're happy with him."