In 2011, Jessica Harrington’s Bostons Angel narrowly got the better of fellow Irish-raider Jessies Dream in a pulsating finish up the famous Cheltenham Hill.

This year’s renewal will hinge on the participation of Grands Crus, who has also been entered in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle last year.

Irish-trained runners have won the past three renewals, and they are well represented again with 19 entries, six of whom hail from the yard of Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins. The pick of his contingent could be Allee Garde, who was third behind Philip Fenton’s Last Instalment in the Grade One Fort Leney Novices’ Chase over Christmas. The sextet is completed by Gowran Park winner Call The Police, high-class novice hurdler Lambro, the lightly-raced Soll, Fairyhouse scorer Up The Beat and last season’s Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle winner Sir Des Champs, who won a Grade Two at Limerick over Christmas.

Other leading Irish-trained contenders include last season’s Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle winner Berties Dream.

Paul Nicholls won the RSA Chase in 2007 with Denman and this year he looks to have a leading chance with Together, who has gained two chase victories at Cheltenham after falling on debut at Chepstow. Nicholls could also saddle high-class French hurdler Cristal Bonus.

Champion Court, who showed a very likeable attitude when winning the Grade Two Cheltenham Pony Club Raceday Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on New Years Day.

Other notable entries include Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.