Kempton date for Captain

The Philip Hobbs-trained King George third disappointed when pulled up in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham last weekend but could be given a chance to redeem himself on February 25.

Nacarat, winner of the three-mile race in 2009, also features among the possibles along with David Bridgwater's The Giant Bolster, the Paul Nicholls-trained The Minack and Captain Chris' stablemate Planet Of Sound.

Willie Mullins has entered last year's Grand National sixth The Midnight Club, Apt Approach, Prince De Beauchene, Shakervilz and Some Target.

Ted Walsh's Seabass would be another eyecatching Irish contender should he take his chance.

Gary Moore is eyeing a crack at the race, formerly known at the Racing Post Chase, with Fruity O'Rooney who was very unlucky in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster last weekend.

His saddle slipped three fences from home and Jamie Moore did well to stay aboard and claim third.

Fruity Fine

"He seems to have come out of the race well and obviously, he was very unlucky on the day," said the trainer.

"He still ran a good race, but it could have been better if things didn't work out the way they did.

"I've put him in the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton, so that would be a possible for him.

"Having run so well at Doncaster, the Grimthorpe Chase is something at the back of my mind as well.

"I would like to run him in the three-mile handicap on the first day of the Festival, so he could just go straight there without another run."

Hold On Julio missed the Sky Bet due to a setback and he is another noteworthy contender in a race that boasts a rich history.

Racing Plus editor Chris Smith said: "The Racing Plus Chase is always one of the most competitive handicaps of the season, with Desert Orchid and subsequent Grand National heroes Rhyme 'N Reason and Rough Quest among its former winners.

"Everyone at Racing Plus is delighted to be sponsoring the race for the first time and the entries are befitting of the race's history.

"It should be a wonderful race and, indeed, meeting."