Leopardstown declarations: Mengli Khan heads up a field of six for Racing Post Novice Chase
The exciting Gordon Elliott-trained chaser is among the antepost favourites for the Arkle at Cheltenham
EXCITING NOVICE chaser Mengli Khan will face five rivals at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.
The Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old is likely to be a hot favourite for the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase.
He had plenty of form at the highest level over hurdles last season, finishing placed at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals.
The gelding was foot-perfect on his chasing debut at Punchestown last month, and he is now a 7-1 shot for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March.
In opposition is classy performer Le Richebourg, who ran a close second in the Drinmore on his latest outing.
Voix Du Reve won a Grade 2 last time out and represents champion trainer Willie Mullins.
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
Henry De Bromhead runs both Mind's Eye and Ellie Mac, while Joseph O'Brien's Us And Them completes the line-up for the €100,000 race.
Earlier on the card, 11 runners have been declared for the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott has the top two in Chief Justice and Coeur Sublime, who were first and second in a Fairyhouse Grade 3 last time.
La Sorelita, Coko Beach and Maze Runner are also among the final field in the €50,000 heat.