CUE Card and Un De Sceaux are two of the star names among 48 entries for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Colin Tizzard-trained Cue Card claimed the two-mile-five-furlong prize in 2013 and the Dorset handler has suggested his popular veteran could bid to regain his crown.

The 11-year-old looked set for another tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup after claiming a third Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, but he proved no match for stable companion and Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, leaving Tizzard considering the Ryanair as an alternative.

The in-form trainer could also call upon Alary, Fox Norton, Sizing Granite and Viconte Du Noyer.

Un De Sceaux won the Arkle Trophy at Prestbury Park two years ago and was favourite for last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase, but was unable to repel the resurgent Sprinter Sacre.

He made a successful start to his campaign in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last month and while he has received a Champion Chase entry once more, he has the option of stepping up in distance for this Grade One.

Un De Sceaux is just one of seven possible runners for Ireland’s perennial champion trainer Willie Mullins.