27 entered for Racing Post Arkle Chase

Sprinter Sacre, Peddlers Cross and Al Ferof are three of the headline names amongst a 27-strong entry for the Arkle Chase which will be sponsored by the Racing Post for the first time at the Cheltenham Festival on March 13.

Sprinter Sacre, who is trained by Nicky Henderson, caused a minor surprise when seeing off Donald McCain's Peddlers Cross by 16 lengths at Kempton over Christmas.

The pair could clash again at Cheltenham, with Paul Nicholls' Victor Chandler Chase third Al Ferof another leading light.

He boasts a rating of 160 after his fine effort in full company last week and is one of five possibles for Nicholls.

Other prominent names on the list include Colin Tizzard's Cue Card, who impressed many when winning at Newbury on New Year's Eve, and the Willie Mullins-trained Blackstairmountain, who is the shortest-priced contender of the Irish contingent.

Nicholls also has Chepstow winner Cristal Bonus in the mix, along with Escort'men, Pacha Du Polder and Sanctuaire, who is twice a Graded winner over hurdles but has yet to jump a fence in public.

Mullins is similarly mob-handed with Bagber, Call The Police and Sir Des Champs also entered, while Tony Martin's pair of Bog Warrior and Nearest The Pin are other Irish possibles - along with Baily Green, Foildubh, Lucky William, Shot From The Hip and Tajweed.

The Nick Williams-trained Zaynar, winner of the 2009 Triumph Hurdle, could return to the scene of his greatest triumph.

Henderson, former handler of Zaynar, could have a second string to his bow in Kid Cassidy.

Menorah won the Supreme in 2010 and could represent Philip Hobbs in this event after claiming his last two outings over fences.

Alasi is the only mare entered, while Astracad, For Non Stop, Kumbeshwar and Realt Mor are the other contenders.