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Focus and Bob given National Hunt entry

Back In FocusBack In Focus
© Photo Healy Racing

Back In Focus and Boston Bob have both been handed the option of running the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham with 85 entries unveiled.

The four-mile contest, restricted to amateur riders, has attracted a bumper possible line-up.

Back In Focus and Boston Bob are two of six strong-looking entries from the powerful yard of champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Last weekend's Naas winner Tofino Bay is among three entries from Dessie Hughes, while Gordon Elliott, who sent out Chicago Grey to win this race in 2011, has another previous Festival winner Carlito Brigante among his list of five possibles.

Interestingly, Nicky Henderson - who has such strength among his team at shorter trips - doesn't have a single entry in the race, but trainers' title rival Paul Nicholls has four, including Rocky Creek and Sire Collonges who are both also entered in the RSA Chase.

David Pipe has seven entries, while Alan King has put in recent Classic Chase runner-up Godsmejudge.

Harry Topper, the horse Kim Bailey believes could be the best he has trained since Gold Cup winner Master Oats, is another name to note.