L'Homme Presse heads just five entries for the Grade 2 Ascot Chase on Saturday.

Graded winner Fakir D'oudairies heads the fifteen runners confirmed for Saturday’s December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Graded winner Fakir D'oudairies heads the fifteen runners confirmed for Saturday’s December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Strong fancies Banbridge and Home By The Lee will join the JP McManus-owned Fakir D'oudairies at Aintree as Joseph O'Brien sends a strong team to next week's Grand National meeting.

Five quality rivals, led by Shishkin and Pic D'Orhy, stand in the way of Fakir D'Oudairies' bid to become the horse to defend its Betfair Ascot Chase crown since Riverside Theatre enjoyed back-to back successes in 2011 and 2012.