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Protektorat will be aiming to defend his Betfair Chase crown against fourteen potential rivals in the first Grade 1 of the season at Haydock Park on 25 November.

The eight-year-old will not have an easy task with Nicky Henderson's Shishkin expected to take in the Betfair Chase en route to the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. Although Protektorat was an easy eleven length winner of the race twelve months ago, Dan Skelton's charge failed to show the same level of form in his subsequent two starts.

"We will be going to Haydock Park fresh and ready for the Betfair Chase," Skelton said.

"From what I've seen, he has not gone backwards in any way. The way we will have him ready for that race is that we will have him properly ready.

"I think it will take a good one on the day to beat him."

A Plus Tard will be out for redemption after being pulled up in last year's renewal when favourite and Henry De Bromhead's gelding is one of five entries from Ireland. He could be joined by stablemate Envoi Allen and multiple Grade 1 winner Gerri Colombe from the Gordon Elliott yard.

Aside from Shiskin, the British-based chasers are well-represented with last year's King George VI winner Bravemansgame and the classy Ahoy Senor entered.

Protektorat is the current 3/1 favourite with the race sponsors Betfair, with Bravemansgame at 7/2.