UN De Sceaux features among 48 entries for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins’ prolific nine-year-old won the Arkle Trophy two years ago and was favourite for last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase, but was unable to repel the resurgent Sprinter Sacre.

He made a successful start to his campaign in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last month and, while he has received a Champion Chase entry once more, he has the option of stepping up in distance for this Grade 1.

Un De Sceaux is just one of seven possible runners for Mullins. The perennial champion trainer has also entered dual Gold Cup runner-up Djakadam, Arkle winner and Champion Chase favourite Douvan and versatile mare Vroum Vroum Mag.

Ballycasey, Black Hercules and dual Festival scorer Champagne Fever complete the Closutton team.

Road To Riches, who was runner-up 12 months ago for Noel Meade, is one again engaged.

Last year’s Ryanair winner Vautour died in October and the third home, Valseur Lido, was yesterday ruled out for the season. In his absence, owners Gigginstown House Stud may rely on the Henry de Bromhead-trained Sub Lieutenant or Gordon Elliott’s recent Lexus Chase winner Outlander.

CUE CARD POSSIBLE

The Colin Tizzard-trained Cue Card claimed the Ryanair in 2013 and the Dorset handler has suggested his popular veteran could bid to regain his crown. The 11-year-old looked set for another tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup after claiming a third Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, but he proved no match for stable companion and Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, leaving Tizzard considering the Ryanair as an alternative.

The in-form trainer could also call upon Alary, Fox Norton, Sizing Granite and Viconte Du Noyer.

Along with the Tizzard team, British hopefuls include Nicky Henderson’s Josses Hill and Jonjo O’Neill’s pair More Of That and Taquin Du Seuil.

CURRENT BETTING: 9/2 Cue Card, 5 Un De Sceaux, 8 Vroum Vroum Mag, 10 Josses Hill, Outlander, 16 Djakadam, Black Hercules, Sub Lieutenant, Fox Norton, Zabana, 20 bar.