BIG MATT has joined Challenger du Luc to head Ladbrokes' list for Saturday's inaugural running of the Murphy's Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old, second to Storm Alert at Ascot on his reappearance, is now 5 to 1 joint-favourite (from 11 to2) with the firm, who have also trimmed Irish runner Anabatic from 9 to 1 to 8 to 1.

"Big Mall is the only horse that has been seriously supported today," said Ladbrokes' spokesman Ian Wassell. "On last year's run in the Mackeson his chance appears almost too obvious and he looks sure to run a solid race."