THE unbeaten chasers Altior and Min, first and second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last year are on course for mouth-watering clash in the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase, which has attracted 33 entries. Altior ran out a convincing seven-length winner over his rival last year.

Willie Mullins, who has captured the last two renewals with Un De Sceaux and Douvan, also has 2016 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle victor Yorkhill, prolific mare Listen Dear and three more Susannah Ricci-owned entries in American Tom, Benie Des Dieux and Royal Caviar among his eight entries. Identity Thief, sixth in last year’s Stan James Champion Hurdle, is one of five entries for fellow Irish handler Henry de Bromhead.