Top field check in for Ryanair Chase

A high-class field of nine will go to post for the Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins decided not to run brilliant JLT Novices’ Chase scorer Vautour, but he can still call upon the classy mare Gitane Du Berlais and Valseur Lido, both winners at the highest level.

Ruby Walsh rides Gitane Du Berlais with Paul Townend on Valseur Lido.

Noel Meade’s Apache Stronghold, who has finished in front of Valseur Lido the last two times they have met, is another top-class novice lining up.

Gilgamboa looked the real deal earlier in the season, but Enda Bolger’s charge failed to live with Un De Sceaux in the Irish Arkle and was then surprisingly beaten by Rawnaq at Navan as he steps back up in trip.

The Tullow Tank was among the best novice hurdlers last season and while his chasing career got off to a good start he then produced two lacklustre runs.

Sandra Hughes’ seven-year-old shaped better in the Flogas Novice Chase, when fourth behind Apache Stronghold, but was forced to miss Cheltenham with a setback.

Gilt Shadow has always been highly regarded by Stuart Crawford but his chasing career has yet to really get going, with the same comment applying to the Eoin Griffin-trained Azorian.

Henry de Bromhead’s Smashing may find things easier, having taken on Un De Sceaux twice this season, with Tony Martin’s Noble Emperor adding further intrigue to a fascinating contest.