With the unfortunate departure of War Of Attrition, the Irish really have no guns to fire, and according to most observers, Kato Star only has to jump round to win.

Kato Star is such a short favourite it seems impossible to oppose him, but chinks have been shown in his armour with sloppy jumping in the King George VI Chase at Kempton and Aon Chase at Newbury, which have in many ways given hope to those who will take him on tomorrow.

My early view was that War Of Attrition would successfully defend his title, but now that he is out, Kato Star looms large in a field which is lacking in depth.

There's no doubt that Paul Nichol's star is an exciting horse with a great agility as he showed when quickly recovering from his two recent blunders, but perhaps it might be better to look elsewhere for the winner over such a demanding course as Cheltenham.

One mistake and you're out. That seems to be the case with this marvellous track as was shown by Well Chief's departure yesterday from the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

So can Kato Star, despite the excellence of jockey Ruby Walsh, afford to make mistakes and still win? That's the question which many would answer in the affirmative and I wouldn't dare say they were wrong. After all, Kato Star has won five chases off the rail and that says something for his brilliance and his durability.

But the price is not attractive and it could be that Exotic Dancer, who is a Cheltenham specialist, will land the prize.

McCoy has partnered him with his usual zest for the racing game and a masterful ride was evidenced when Exotic Dancer won the Paddy Power Gold Cup here.

He then followed up in the Boyle Sports Chase over the same course, but was beaten by Kato Star in the King George before returning Cheltenham and winning the Letherby and Christopher Chase, beating Our Vic by 18 lengths.

Exotic Dancer proved that day that he enjoys Cheltenham. In fact, he relishes it and if he stays the extra furlong of the Gold Cup he should give McCoy a memorable day.

The Listener is a fascinating contender and we all remember the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown when he beat Beef Or Salmon, only to have the situation reversed when running in the Hennessy Gold Cup, also at Leopardstown.

That was the day when The Listener looked home and dry before Beef Or Salmon made that amazing finish to prevail close home.

There are many who would say Beef Or Salmon, who has won 10 Grade One races, is due a Gold Cup. But he doesn't apparently like Cheltenham since he fell in his first appearance in the Gold Cup.

L'Ami is a tough and reliable performer, but he wouldn't be of the class to win this.

Kato Star is undoubtedly the best horse in the race, but the question marks about his jumping remain.

The Listener was impressive when winning at Christmas and trainer Robert Alner knows what it takes to win, for he was successful with Cool Dawn.

It should be, as usual, a fascinating race, but perhaps it will be Exotic Dancer who comes out on top and shows once again that when it comes to Cheltenham, he has few equals.

McCoy may also be successful on Wichita Lineman in the Brit Insurance Hurdle.

Selections: 2.00: Lounaos; 2.35: Wichita Lineman; 3.15: Exotic Dancer; 4.00: Whyso Mayo; 4.40: Madison Du Berlais; 5.20: Spring The Que