Lord Noelie, the less fancied of West Lockinge trainer Henrietta Knight's two Gold Cup hopes, gets the chance to advertise his credentials for chasing's blue riband in a fascinating renewal of the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.

While Knight's rising star, Best Mate, has been making all the headlines this season and is 6-1 joint favourite with the Tote for the Festival showpiece on March 14, there has also been support for Lord Noelie in recent weeks and he is now a best-priced 10-1 chance.

The nine-year-old, winner of the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the 2000 Festival, ran a blinder to finish a close-up fourth under top weight in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on his last outing.

Knight, meanwhile, is keeping her fingers crossed that Lord Noelie stays clear of the cough which is affecting her yard.

The West Lockinge handler, who has also entered Go Ballistic, said: "He is very well, but it depends on him keeping clear of the cough until Saturday."

Lord Noelie is among nine five-day entries for Saturday's £75,000 contest.

Nicky Henderson has entered Marlborough and Bacchanal, with the former the more likely to run unless the ground - which is currently good - turns soft.

Cyfor Malta, who beat Go Ballistic in this race in 1999, is expected to represent champion trainer Martin Pipe.

A decision on the participation of Sackville, Ireland's leading Gold Cup hope, is expected to be made today.

The entries are completed by Paris Pike,Rince Ri and Legal Right.

Elsewhere, Knight's Thomas Pink Gold Cup runner-up, Foly Pleasant, is among 19 entries in the Ladbroke Trophy Chase.