The first three home in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last year – Albertas Run, Poquelin and J’y Vole – are set to lock horns in the race again on Thursday.
Albertas Run, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by JP McManus, bids to become the first dual winner of the Grade One contest which was only inaugurated in 2005.
Poquelin has been a strong fancy for the race since his win in the Gold Cup here in December and his trainer is also represented by Breedsbreeze, who runs in the Best Mate colours of Jim Lewis.
Nicky Henderson relies on supplementary entry Voy Por Ustedes, who was runner-up to Imperial Commander two years ago when trained by Alan King.
Ferdy Murphy saddles Kalahari King, who has been placed at the last two Festivals in the Arkle Trophy and Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Gauvain, Hey Big Spender, Rare Bob, Roberto Goldback, Rubi Light and Tartak are also under orders after 14 were declared.
PA
