DOUVAN is the headline act among the 28 entries for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old has a perfect eight from eight record over fences to date and has won at the last two Festivals.

He has yet to taste defeat in 12 races for Mullins, who has also entered Champagne Fever, Black Hercules, Vroum Vroum Mag and last year’s runner-up Un De Sceaux.

Fox Norton is the leading British-trained contender according to the sponsors and is one of three possibles for man-of-the-moment Colin Tizzard, along with Sizing Granite and Viconte Du Noyer.

Nicky Henderson has entered his star novice Altior, but that horse is thought more likely to contest the Arkle Trophy. Henderson has also given L’Ami Serge and Vaniteux the engagement. Gary Moore has three possibles in former winner Sire De Grugy, Ar Mad and Traffic Fluide. Dodging Bullets, who was triumphant in 2015, Garde La Victoire and Special Tiara also feature.

Tom George has a couple of chances with Sir Valentino and God’s Own, who was fourth to Sprinter Sacre 12 months ago but has the option of the Ryanair Chase.

George said: “God’s Own is fine. He has had a winter break and we are just starting away again with him now. I would say it is more than likely that he will go straight to Cheltenham. We haven’t made any concrete plans, but that is the way it is looking.

“He has got entries in the Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase, just to give us options really. He proved he stays at Aintree last spring and it makes sense to have both entries.”

CURRENT BETTING: 2/5 Douvan, 7 Fox Norton, 8 Altior, 10 Un De Sceaux, 16 Gods Own, 20 Ar Mad, Special Tiara, 25 Sire De Grugy, 33 bar.