Step up in trip could suit Sensation at Cheltenham

Trained respectively by Dr Richard Newland and David Pipe, the duo are jostling for ante-post favouritism at around the 8-1 mark.

Pipe could also saddle Monetaire and La Vaticane in the coveted Grade Three handicap over two-and-a-half miles.

Ptit Zig and Sound Investment have been left at the head of the weights, with Paul Nicholls having also confirmed Art Mauresque and Easter Day.

Johns Spirit, last year’s runner-up and 2013 Paddy Power winner, and Cheltenham Festival scorer Irish Cavalier are rated just below Ptit Zig and Sound Investment, with leading fancies Oscar Rock and Cocktails At Dawn also bound closely together by the handicapper.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has left in Double Ross, Little Jon, Astracad and Splash Of Ginge, while Buywise could have another crack after running well in the race last year.

Another Festival winner, Next Sensation, is also in the hat, with connections convinced a step up in trip is what he needs.

The eight-year-old will, however, not run if conditions get too demanding.

Trainer Michael Scudamore said: “I was happy enough with his reappearance. He left his hind legs through the one at the top of the hill and that knocked the stuffing out of him.

“He is in the Paddy Power and Tom (Scudamore) is positive that two-and-a-half miles will be the making of him. If he keeps well in himself that’s an option, but we won’t go there if it’s too soft.”

The Irish challenge has been whittled down to just one contender, Shanpallas.

Sprinter Sacre could face up to 10 rivals when he makes his seasonal reappearance in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on Sunday.

Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old appeared unbeatable after winning each of his first 10 starts over fences, but he suffered a heart problem late in 2013 and was unable to recapture his old sparkle after returning from over a year on the sidelines last season.

However, the handler has been pleased with his preparation ahead of his comeback at Prestbury Park.