Cheltenham Gold Cup 2018 runners and riders: Final field of 18 declared ahead of Friday’s race

EIGHTEEN horses have been declared for Friday's Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Nicky Henderson's Might Bite and Colin Tizzard's Native River top the market.

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Henderson has already suggested he has ground worries with Might Bite but is keen to let him take his chance.

Jessica Harrington won the race last year with Sizing John and this time she will rely on Our Duke after her reigning champ was ruled out through injury.

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Willie Mullins is desperate to win the championship race and saddles Bachasson, Djakadam, Killultagh Vic and Total Recall.

Road To Respect is another coming across the Irish Sea with a big chance along with Irish Gold Cup winner Edwulf.

Cotswold Chase winner Definitly Red and runner-up American do battle again.

Lizzie Kelly, who has already bagged a winner at Cheltenham this week, will be hoping for better luck with Tea For Two this year.

Shantou Flyer finished second in the Ultima Chase on Tuesday and is set to be turned out quickly for the Grade 1 contest.

Outlander, Anibale Fly, Double Shuffle, Minella Rocco and Saphir du Rheu complete the field.