Trainer - Gordon Elliott
Jockey -
One of two in the race for Elliott, A Toi Phil has been off sorts for some time now, and looks to be outclassed at this level once again.
No win since landing the odds at Thurles in a Grade Three twelve months ago, and could not manage better than fifth when going back to defend his title a few days ago.
Plenty needed and a rank outsider.
Trainer - Peter Fahy
Jockey -
Fairly lightly raced 8yo, who burst onto the scene with a win in the Grade Two Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Cork before Christmas.
Got the better of Doctor Phoenix and Special Tiara that day and was somewhat clear, whilst keeping on well in first start in Grade One company when finishing fourth in the Sugar Paddy Chase.
Only four lengths adrift of Simply Ned and Footpad, but will need to up his endeavour.
Trainer - Gordon Elliott
Jockey -
Another for Gordon Elliott, in the shape of the veteran Doctor Phoenix - last seen beating home only one rival in a Grade Two two weeks ago.
Another off sorts for some time, but was running a career best when falling two out in last season's Devenish Chase, where he had Un De Sceaux in trouble.
A repeat of that effort should see him in with some sort of claim.
Trainer - WIllie Mullins
Jockey -
Time to make amends as far as Footpad is concerned.
Outstanding novice season last term, including a sparkling display in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Lost his five race unbeaten spell over fences when falling on his seasonal debut in the Poplar Square Chase when looking well held by Saint Calvados.
Failed to get the better of Simply Ned on his next start over Christmas, and if Altior is to have any competition in this season's Champion Chase, Footpad should be winning this.
Trainer - Willie Mullins
Jockey -
Min however will have something to say about that, and if it wasn't for Nicky Henderson's Champion Chaser, Min would be a dual Cheltenham Festival winner.
A classy horse himself, he is a three-time Grade One winner, and was best of the remainder in last season's two mile chase final at Prestbury Park.
Trainer believes Altior has the better of him now, and therefore is expected to send this 8yo up in trip for the Ryanair; a trip he tried for the first time when closely beaten by Politologue at Aintree in the Melling Chase.
Major contender here back over a reduced trip.
Trainer - Henry De Bromhead
Jockey -
Travelling well before fading up the hill in last season's Champion Chase, this 9yo finished a game third in the Grade One Sugar Paddy Chase over this course and distance last month.
Showed much improvement having finished a far-away second in a lower grade, but will need more once again to be in amongst the finish this time.
One of two for the trainer.
Trainer - Harry Whittingdon
Jockey - Gavin Sheehan
Harry Whittingdon sends Saint Calvados over the Irish sea for the second time this season, having opened his chasing account outside novice company on his first start of the season.
A bold display of jumping from the front end - getting the better of Footpad, was easily dismisseed by Altior in the Tingle Creek on his next start, and since avoiding the King George, Saint Calvados is a name that cannot be forgotten.
Player.
Trainer - Nicky Richards
Jockey -
Twelve years old and still going strong.
Simply Ned's story is what National Hunt racing is all about, and even at that age he is a danger to all of his rivals.
Winner of the Grade One Sugar Paddy Chase over Christmas beating many of today's rivals, his odds suggest he cannot repeat that feat once again.
That ended a run of over three years without a win, but has always been in the firing line in major contests.
Chance there is more to come.
Trainer - Henry De Bromhead
Jockey -
The field is completed with the 2017 Champion Chase winner Special Tiara, who has failed to win since.
The now-12yo stepped in at Cheltenham when the 2/9 favourite Douvan was injured half way round but still rode out for seventh.
Special Tiara was never near Altior in the Desert Orchid over Christmas, so a massive step-up is required to be involved here with the best of Ireland turning up.
