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.
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.