Un De Sceaux heads field of seven for Ryanair Chase

Un De Sceaux will defend his Ryanair Chase crown on Thursday against a maximum of six runners, with stablemate Douvan also declared.

Douvan, however, is set to run in Wednesday's Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Balko Des Flos and Sub Lieutenant complete a strong Irish challenge, with Cloudy Dream, Cue Card and Frodon also in the line-up.

The Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle, the other Grade 1 on Thursday's card, has attracted 17 declarations.

There were no notable omissions, with Sam Spinner, Yanworth, Supasundae and The New One all featuring. Apple's Jade, who runs in Tuesday's Mares' Hurdle, has also been declared by Gordon Elliott.

Ten runners have been declared for the JLT Novices' Chase, including likely favourite Invitation Only.

Laurina's 14 rivals in the Grade 2 Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle include Maria's Benefit and Salsaretta.

Handicap news

A Great View bagged the last berth for the Pertemps Final, with Glenloe heading the market. Tommy Rapper, who was a 14-1 chance for the race, did not feature in the final field.

Arthur's Gift and Kris Spin are the first and second reserves for the race.

Patricks Park, a 10-1 shot for the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase, failed to make the final cut for the race.

Splash Of Ginge secured the final spot in the 24-runner field, with Kilcrea Vale and Plaisir D'Amour the reserves.

Last season's Kim Muir runner-up Pendra heads the weights for this year's race with Actinpieces as 23 runners were declared for the last contest on Thursday's card.

Cheltenham Thursday card