11 still in line for Ryanair

Cue Card is one of 11 contenders to stand their ground for Thursday's Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Colin Tizzard's charge heads the market for the two-mile-five-furlong heat following his impressive victory in the Ascot Chase last time out.

Tizzard has experimented over a variety of trips, sending him to the two-mile Arkle at the Festival last term before pitching him in over three miles in the King George.

Cue Card is also still entered in Wednesday's Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase, but Tizzard is eager to avoid Sprinter Sacre, who had Cue's Card measure in the Arkle.

"He's in brilliant form at the moment. I'm always very nervous, there's a few days to go, and something can always go wrong, but you have to grin and bear it," he said.

"It was a straightforward decision to go for the Ryanair. We took on Sprinter Sacre and he beat us, and on all known form he'd probably beat us again. We're the favourite for the Ryanair, so it wasn't difficult.

"He'll stay in the Champion Chase in case something went wrong with Sprinter Sacre anyway."

Sizing Europe is another who is entered in both races but trainer Henry de Bromhead has hinted the Queen Mother is his preferred option.

Last year's winner Riverside Theatre is still in the hunt for Nicky Henderson, although he has failed to make his mark in two starts since his Festival win. He could be joined by stablemate Finian's Rainbow.

Albertas Run has claimed this race twice for Jonjo O'Neill and he could make his seasonal bow, while Martin Keighley's Champion Court could bid to bounce back from a slightly disappointing effort last time.

Peterborough Chase winner Menorah won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at this meeting a couple of years ago and could try to add to his Festival tally.

Mouse Morris' First Lieutenant is still in contention while For Non Stop, Ghizao and Walkon are the other possibles.