Reigning Betfair Chase champion Silviniaco Conti heads a field of seven for Haydock’s showpiece event.
The Nicholls inmate is reported to be in rude health ahead of a repeat bid as he contests the event against some familiar faces in Cue Card, Dynaste and Menorah.
Silviniaco Conti comfortably beat Menorah by two lengths last year with the rest of the field strung out behind.
Following his pipe opener over hurdles, trainer Paul Nicholls said “He ran well at Kempton the other day and he’s shown enormous improvement. A flat track and soft ground are made for him.”
However, he faces no easy task in this small but select field of seven. Previous Betfair winner Cue Card returns for more glory on Lancashire fresh from a remarkable comeback with victory in the Grade 1 Charlie Hall. Tizzard‘s stable star is proven at the highest level having won at the Cheltenham Festival twice as well as a host of other honours.
Haydock also hosts the Betfair Price Rush Hurdle won last year by The New One. Elite Hurdle 1-2 Irving and Melodic Rendezvous clash once more, and could be joined by Triumph Hurdle second Top Notch for the in-form Henderson team.
