Conti & Lieutenant among Charlie Hall 11

Silviniaco Conti and First Lieutenant are two of the star names among 11 horses confirmed for the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase on Saturday.

Silviniaco Conti claimed the Wetherby highlight two years ago for champion trainer Paul Nicholls and is set to return to West Yorkshire to warm up for a likely tilt at the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Nicholls could also run Rocky Creek, not seen since finishing fifth in the Grand National in the spring .

The Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant is the sole Irish contender for the Grade Two over three miles and a furlong.

The Grade One-winning hurdler and chaser ran some tremendous races in defeat last season, placing in the Lexus Chase and the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown, as well as the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Last year's Charlie Hall winner Harry Topper could defend his crown for Kim Bailey, while in-form trainer Philip Hobbs may call upon talented chaser Menorah.

Cheltenham Festival winner Taquin Du Seuil could aim to get his campaign back on track after a disappointing reappearance at Newton Abbot for Jonjo O'Neill.

Ballypatrick, Double Ross, Medermit, The Giant Bolster and Wayward Prince complete the list .

Alan King also has Medermit engaged in Ascot's United House Gold Cup on the same day but is leaning towards the Wetherby highlight.

He said: "The plan is to start Medermit in the Charlie Hall.

"His preparation has gone well and I have been really happy with him."

Sponsors bet365 announced they have struck a deal with Wetherby to support the Charlie Hall for another three years.

Steve Ibberson, bet365's gaming managing, said: "There have been seen some truly outstanding horses triumph in this race since we started sponsoring back in 2003 and, once again, this season looks set to be yet another top-quality renewal of this prestigious race."

Jonjo Sanderson, Wetherby chief executive and clerk of the course, said watering had begun on Monday morning.

He said: "The ground is currently good and we commenced a light watering programme in order to maintain the current conditions.

"The rain that was forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday has abated, so we have decided to apply 10 millimetres today, which will finish on Tuesday afternoon, after which we'll reassess conditions."