Neptune Collonges is trained by Paul Nicholls

Shropshire businessman John Hales believes his horse Neptune Collonges is unlikely to cause an upset in Friday's Gold Cup.

Jockey Robert Thornton is due to ride Neptune in the big race at the Cheltenham Festival.

"Neptune's doing alright," Hales told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"He's ready to go, I don't believe he can win the Gold Cup but he'll put in one hell of a good performance, he's a great horse."

Neptune Collonges finished third in the 2008 Gold Cup and Hales is hoping he can better that this time around.

"He's a tremendous horse but he's up against stiff opposition," Hales added.

The 10-year-old grey has already won at Cheltenham this year, winning the Argento Chase beating Tidal Bay.

Trainer Paul Nicholls had planned to run him in the Grand National at Aintree in April but he will now run in the Gold Cup.

Neptune had been out of action for nearly two years after suffering a serious tendon injury in the same race in 2009, when he finished fourth.

Back in December Hales said: "I think he can win it. Denman and Kauto Star are both older than him."

But with the current going rated good, good to soft in places, Hales believes that may go against him.

"I would have loved to see it softer but he could get a place," he said.

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