51 stand ground for RSA

Paul Nicholls' What A Friend features among 51 possibles for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham following the latest entry stage.

The six-year-old, who is part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, leapt to the head of the ante-post market when scoring at Prestbury Park back in December and is one of two entries for the champion trainer along with Kicks For Free.

Recent Ascot winner Carruthers is still on the list although connections have stressed he is not certain to line up at the Festival, while Gone To Lunch and Massini's Maguire could also represent the home team.

The raiding party looks particularly strong with Willie Mullins' Cooldine the most likely to take the prize back to Ireland judged on the betting.

Casey Jones, Siegemaster and Forpadydeplasterer are also contenders from the Emerald Isle, although the latter appears more likely to line up in the Arkle.