Lieutenant among Ryanair eight

Dual race winner Albertas Run features among eight declared runners for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.

Jonjo O'Neill's 12-year-old won the two-mile-five-furlong showpiece in 2010 and 2011, as well as finishing second to Riverside Theatre last year, but has not run since last year's Grand National meeting at Aintree.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Riverside Theatre reopposes, having himself only run twice since his big day 12 months ago, and 2010 Champion Bumper hero Cue Card takes his chance for Colin Tizzard.

Plenty of interest will surround the Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant, who runs in this race in preference to the Gold Cup on Friday.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding was beaten just a head by Tidal Bay in the Lexus over three miles at Christmas and prior to that was third to Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth in the Hennessy at Newbury.

Morris said: "The decision has been made to let him run in the Ryanair and I think with the way the ground has gone, it's probably the right decision."

Champion Court, For Non Stop, Menorah and Ghizao complete the line-up.