THE presence of The Real Whacker at the top of the weights in today’s Paddy Power Gold Cup has given the race a new hue.

As well as adding quality to the race – as the addition of the Brown Advisory Chase winner invariably will, to any race – it has obviously altered the weights, given that The Real Whacker is rated 7lb superior to his next best rival. It means that Stage Star will carry 11st 7lb, and that may enhance his chance, despite the presence now of a highly talented rival.