Kingscliff faces five in Marsh test

Kingscliff will face just five rivals as he continues his Cheltenham Festival preparations in the Grade Two Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock tomorrow.

Robert Alner’s nine-year-old disappointed when pulled up in the King George VI Chase last time but is currently vying with Beef Or Salmon for favouritism in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Kingscliff won the Betfair Chase over course and distance in November but will have to concede well over a stone to his rivals tomorrow.

Last year’s winner Lord Transcend will bid to repeat his runaway 10-length success, while Truckers Tavern, successful in the 2003 renewal of the Peter Marsh Chase, will try to return to his best.

Kandjar D’Allier, Ebony Light and Patricksnineteenth complete the declarations for the three-mile contest – although the latter also has an alternative entry at Lingfield, which is his preferred option.