Kauto Star, winner of the last two renewals of the Betfair Chase, heads 18 entries for this year's showpiece on November 22.

The former Betfair Million winner could be joined by his stablemates Gungadu, whose finest hour came when landing the Racing Post Trophy last season, and Nozic.

Four entries hail from Ireland, including former Cheltenham Gold Cup winners War Of Attrition and Kauto Star.

Exotic Dancer chased home Kauto Star in both the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup and last year's Betfair Chase. He could reoppose his old rival along with Turpin Green, who finished fourth at Haydock last season.

Other leading contenders include Grade One Ryanair Chase victor Our Vic and Albertas Run, one of the top novice chasers last term and successful in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Completing the entries are the Donald McCain-trained Cloudy Lane, three times a winner at Haydock Park, last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup fourth Halcon Genelardais, Mr McGoldrick, Knowhere and Snoopy Loopy.