The Grade 3 handicap has had many guises over the years, was known as the Racing Post Chase for many years and before that it was famously won by Pendil a couple of times in the 1970s.
Docklands Express also did a back-to-back double in the 1990s and Tom George's Nacarat was a fixture in the contest, winning it twice in 2009 and 2012.
Nicholls has won the race on two occasions; with Gungadu in 2008 and with Rocky Creek in 2015, and he bids to win it for a third time with Adrien Du Pont, who was a five-length third behind Walt in last season's renewal.
Also running from Ditcheat are Black Corton, Sametegal and Romain De Senam, with Bryony Frost aboard the former who was a Grade One winner over the course and distance as a novice.
Likely market rivals for Adrien Du Pont include Erick Le Rouge, three from three at the track for Jane Williams, and Just A Sting, another course and distance winner for Harry Fry, is also in there.
The aforementioned George obviously has a good record in the race and he runs Double Shuffle, another course and distance winner who has also finished runner-up in a King George and this race - twice.
Azzerti and Talkischeap mean Alan King is double-handed.
Whatmore, Crievehill, Mister Malarkey, Highway One O One, Dashing Perk and Kildisart complete the final field of 14.
