No Surprises In Sunalliance

All of the expected major opponents to Denman in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase have stood their ground at the confirmation stage.

Paul Nicholls' charge has headed the betting for the extended three-mile contest since last year's Cheltenham Festival and is unbeaten in four runs over fences.

Nicholls has also left in Gungadu, who is expected to run in the four-mile race for amateur riders, and the five-year-old Turko.

The Irish mare Cailin Alainn heads the opposition and is already a Grade One winner over fences.

The challenge from the Emerald Isle is supplemented by Snowy Morning, Patsy Hall, Chelsea Harbour, Knight Legend, Justpourit, Gazza's Girl, Mossbank, Vic Venturi and Lala Nova.

David Pipe's Dom D'Orgeval features strongly in the betting, as does Keith Reveley's Ungaro, but his participation is still in doubt due to the soft ground.

My Way De Solzen and Don't Push It were expected absentees as they both have alternative engagements.

(C) PA Sport