Denman among Sunalliance hopefuls

Denman spearheads a five-strong Paul Nicholls hand in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Chase, for which a total of 73 entries have been received.

The first-named has been to the fore of the betting for some time and has already secured three uccesses over the larger obstacles this season.

Nicholls, successful in 2006 with Star De Mohaison, has also entered Opera Mundi, Turko, Be Be King and Gungadu in the extended three-mile event.

Ungaro, winner of the Grade One Feltham Novice Chase at Kempton for trainer Keith Reveley is also engaged, along with Dom D’Orgeval, who scored on his debut for trainer David Pipe at Fakenham last week.

A joint-record 28-strong entry from Ireland includes Charles Byrnes’ stable star Cailin Alainn whose last two novice chase victories have come in Grade One company.

Other interesting possibles from the emerald isle include Schindlers Hunt and Hear The Echo, the first two home in a valuable Leopardstown event on Boxing Day.

Jonjo O’Neill’s Don’t Push It is another notable contender, although he also has the option of tackling the two-mile Irish Independent Arkle Trophy the previous day.

Another Promise, Mr Pointment, My Way De Solzen, Opera Mundi, Oran Climate, Stoway and Turko are also entered in both races.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham’s managing director, said: “Both The Irish Independent Arkle and Royal & SunAlliance Chase boast outstanding records at producing future contenders for championship honours at The Festival and this year’s entries for the two races include a string of talented performers from both sides of the Irish Sea that should hopefully continue that tradition.”