DESPITE Danoli's emotional Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup victory and Dorans Pride's almost flawless success in the Scalp Novice Chase, it was Hennessy third Imperial Call who attracted all yesterday's interest in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Fergie Sutherland's charge pleased both connections and supporters with his performance at Leopardstown and has been all the rage in the betting markets with doubts about his main rivals.

The situation was best described by William Hill spokesman David Hood, who said: "Imperial Call was travelling like a winner until he blew up and punters know he will improve.

"Anybody backing Dorans Pride can't be sure he will turn up and Danoli may be popular, but he's not popular enough that punters will back him at any price. There is still a doubt about his ability to jump round Cheltenham."

Hills make last year's Gold Cupwinner 9 to 2 joint favourite with Dorans Pride to retain his title, tightening the eight year old from 5 to 1 while his rival has drifted from 4s. The company offer 7 to 1 about Danoli's chances on March 13th.

"Conor O'Dwyer's upbeat post race comments have obviously helped to instill confidence in Imperial Call after yesterday's run but we will reserve judgement despite the strong support," he added.

Sutherland's wife Ann said that apart from a few minor cuts, Imperial Call had returned sound from yesterday's exertions. "We were very pleased with him. Conor told us he blew up after the third last but we are delighted with him," she added. Imperial Call will next run in the Red Mill Chase at Gowran on February 15th.

Danoli's trainer Tom Foley was also upbeat about his charge. Speaking from his County Carlow farm, Foley said: "Going into the race we had a lot to lose. I think we learned a lot for one thing that he is able to jump, for another, he gets three miles and he proved he is as good as any of the handicappers.

The nine year old has come out of the race well according to his trainer. "He's just a bit tired, he knows he had a hard race but other than that there is nothing wrong with him," Foley added.

Foley does not hold with the view that the Cheltenham fences will find out his charge. "The fences at Cheltenham are inviting and he will jump them all right," he said.