Punters who placed ante-post Cheltenham Gold Cup bets on doubtful starter Exotic Dancer will be relieved to know that the third favourite for the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup looks almost certain to run at the renewal next week.

Exotic Dancer, suffering from pain in the lumbar region, was put through his paces on Saturday morning and showed no signs of injury during his gallop. Barring signs of discomfort during routine training this week, Exotic Dancer will line-up alongside race favourites Denman and Kauto Star.

With Exotic Dancer set to feature next Saturday, punters may see the strength of the field increase even further following news that BobbyJo Chase winner Afistfullofdollars may be supplemented into the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Following a strong race at Fairyhouse in January that saw Afistfullofdollars beat former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Hedgehunter by six lengths, Afisfullofdollars’ owners are seriously contemplating paying the £22,500 fee for a late-entry Cheltenham Gold Cup ticket.

Trainer Noel Meade will have until March 8th to confirm Afistfullofdollars participation in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup. William Hill have Afistfullofdollars priced at 50/1 to take the Cheltenham Festival’s most prestigious race – a good bet considering that Afistfullofdollars has a 75% win record over fences.