Racing:Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander will face six rivals as he bids to make a winning reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained nine-year-old was beaten just a whisker by Kauto Star in a dramatic renewal 12 months ago and will be the hot favourite to go one place better this time around.
Although Kauto Star is not in attendance, his trainer Paul Nicholls will still be represented as he saddles What A Friend, winner of the totesport Bowl at Aintree in which Imperial Commander failed to complete.
Punchestown Gold Cup winner Planet Of Sound makes his seasonal return for Philip Hobbs, while Nacarat lines up on the back of an impressive comeback in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
Jimmy Moffatt saddles his pride and joy Chief Dan George, with Howard Johnson's enigmatic Tidal Bay bidding for his first chase win in over two years. Atouchbetweenacara, trained by Venetia Williams, completes the line-up.