Mark Bradstock believes Carruthers is “in with a shout” of repeating last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup triumph following the unveiling of the weights for the Newbury showpiece.

Speaking at a lunch at the Berkshire course yesterday ahead of the race on December 1, in which his charge has been allotted 10st 7lbs, Bradstock, who trains at Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage said: “That is absolutely fine.

“It is going to be unbelievably competitive, but we are in with a shout as we were last year.”

Carruthers, who is set to have his prep run in the Henrietta Knight Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday, will run off a 1lb higher mark than 12 months ago. He is a 25-1 chance with Sportingbet.

Bobs Worth, from Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn stables, is the 5-1 favourite after being given 11st 6lb.

Calgary Bay, from Mick Channon’s West Ilsley yard, has 11st 4lb, while Frisco Depot, from Charlie Longsdon’s Chipping Norton stables, 10st 1lb.

Hennessy Gold Cup (Sportingbet odds): 5-1 Bobs Worth, 8-1 The Package, 9-1 Grands Crus, 10-1 Hold On Julio, 12-1 First Lieutenant, 14-1 Harry The Viking, Michel Le Bon, Tidal Bay, 16-1 Duke Of Lucca, Problema Tic, Roberto Goldback, Teaforthree, The Giant Bolster, 20-1 others,