The Paul Nicholls-trained Bravesmangame heads the final declarations for the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday, bidding for a record seventh success in the race.

He will be joined by Dan Skelton's Protektorat, who landed the contest twelve months ago before a well-beaten fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. The eight-year-old, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, has undergone a wind operation over the summer break and will be making his seasonal reappearance.

Last season's Grand National hero Corach Rambler will represent Scotland's Lucinda Russell, aiming to bounce back after a disappointing return. The gelding switches to a level weights contest, following a defeat at Kelso where a hefty burden in handicap company appeared too much for the staying chaser.

The quartet is completed by Royal Pagaille, owned by Rich Ricci and trained by Venetia Williams. Although the gelding is only third-best in the betting with sponsors Betfair, he boasts an excellent record at Haydock Park with three victories from four attempts, including a second in this race behind A Plus Tard in 2021.

Joe Chambers, racing manager for the Ricci's, said: "Royal Pagaille loves it at Haydock and with the ground in his favour and a small field, we thought it would be best to kick off his season there on Saturday rather than going to Newbury the following week.

"He is three out of four at Haydock with his only defeat coming when second in the Betfair Chase two years ago to A Plus Tard.

"I'd say this season it would be lovely to win a third Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock (in January) with him. What happens either side of that is still to be decided."

Bravemansgame is the current favourite for Saturday's Betfair Chase at 8/11.