The Betfair Ascot Chase, run over the intermediate distance of two miles and five furlongs, is the most valuable chase run at Ascot.

Nicholls has a strong hand as he chases a record fifth Betfair Ascot Chase, with his quartet headlined by the stunning 2019 victor Cyrname, the 2/1 favourite with Betfair, and dual G1 King George VI Chase hero Clan des Obeaux.

The Ditcheat handler can also call upon progressive 10-year-old Master Tommytucker, who looked as good as ever in a G2 event at Kempton Park earlier this month, and G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup sixth Real Steel.

Nicholls, 11-times champion Jump trainer and Betfair ambassador, said: “Of our four, Master Tommytucker definitely goes for the Betfair Ascot Chase.

“It just looks the obvious race for him given the trip and everything, and I don’t see the track posing any problems at all. He is improving rapidly and deserves his place in a race like this.

“Cyrname’s main target could be the Gold Cup, although we have not made a final decision on that.

“The Betfair Ascot Chase is another option we wanted to have, but if we decide to go for the Gold Cup, then he won’t be able to run in both races. We will have to make our minds up over the next fortnight about what we want to do.

“After how impressive he was in the Charlie Hall, I was keen to aim him towards the Gold Cup. Then obviously what happened at Kempton [pulled up] didn’t help, but I have put a line through that.

“Clan des Obeaux will run in the Denman Chase at Newbury, though with the way the weather is at the moment, we felt it was worth making an entry for Ascot just in case.

“Real Steel is a possible for Ascot, but he would not want to run if the ground is too soft. We may keep him fresh for the Ryanair.”

Last year’s Betfair Ascot Chase victor Riders Onthe Storm (Nigel Twiston-Davies) could attempt to emulate Riverside Theatre (2011 & 2012), the only horse to win the race in successive years.

Other proven G1 performers among the entries include Ryanair Chase second Saint Calvados (Harry Whittington) and 2019 Betfair Chase scorer Lostintranslation (Colin Tizzard).

Leading owners Simon Munir & Isaac Souede have four entries of their own, all in the care of Nicky Henderson - Caribean Boy, Janika, Terrefort and Top Notch.

Henderson is also responsible for Mister Fisher, winner of the rearranged G2 Peterborough Chase at Cheltenham in December.

Venetia Williams is represented by Fanion d’Estruval, a creditable fourth behind First Flow in the G1 Clarence House Chase at Ascot on January 23, and recent Chepstow scorer Cepage.

Dashel Drasher (Jeremy Scott) has enjoyed two victories over the course and distance this season, most recently defeating Bennys King (Dan Skelton) in a valuable handicap chase on January 23.

Cyrname won the same race in 2019 prior to his Betfair Ascot Chase success.

Caspian Caviar Gold Cup second Midnight Shadow (Sue Smith) and Kalashnikov (Amy Murphy) are also engaged.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr commented today: “Off the back of a good run in the King George, Cyrname went off the 4/11 favourite in this race last season when seeking back-to-back wins.

“He is still at the head of the market for this year’s renewal, although is 2/1 following his disappointing run in the King George last time out.

“On these entries, it looks like a strong field could go forward and that is reflected in the betting.’’

etfair Ascot Chase - Betfair odds:

2/1 Cyrname

4/1 Mister Fisher, Saint Calvados

5/1 Clan des Obeaux, Master Tommytucker

7/1 Kalashnikov, Lostintranslation

14/1 Dashel Drasher, Fanion d’Estruval

20/1 Midnight Shadow, Top Notch, Riders Onthe Storm

25/1 Bennys King, Caribean Boy

25/1 Cepage, Janika, Real Steel

33/1 Terrefort

For a complete list of Betfair Ascot Chase entries, click here