CUE Card, who last year used the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase as a springboard to one of the great comeback seasons, has been installed as an even-money favourite with the sponsors to defend his title in the race at Wetherby tomorrow afternoon.

Colin Tizzard's stable star had been in the doldrums when he came to the race last year, but he beat Dynaste and went on to take the Betfair Chase, King George and Betfred Bowl. He also fell when upsides three out in the Gold Cup, all under regular rider Paddy Brennan.

Also among the 11 entered in the Charlie Hall is Coneygree, who managed what Cue Card could not in winning the Gold Cup in 2015. He remains set for the Betfair Chase as his main target and would reportedly run only if plenty of rain arrived in West Yorkshire, which is not forecast, so the Mark Bradstock-trained star is set to go straight to Haydock.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has a great record in the race, is keen to run RSA Chase hero Blaklion, winner of the Towton Novices' Chase at the track last season.

David Pipe's Dynaste, second last year, the Rebecca Curtis-trained Irish Cavalier and the Paul Nicholls duo of Saphir Du Rheu and Virak are also engaged.

Kim Bailey's Grand National runner-up The Last Samuri and Wakanda, trained by Sue Smith, complete the list for what promises to be a cracker of a race.

Saphir Du Rheu is more likely to run in the bet365 West Yorkshire Hurdle in preparation for another crack at the Hennessy Gold Cup.

The Paul Nicholls-trained grey had the world at his feet last season after winning first time out at Carlisle, but could only finish fifth when favourite for the Hennessy and it went badly wrong thereafter.

He also has the option of the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot tomorrow, but he will revert back to hurdles.

It is a ploy Nicholls used to great effect with the enigmatic Tidal Bay a few years ago.

"Saphir Du Rheu is fine and will probably go the Tidal Bay route in the bet365 Hurdle as a prep race for possibly the Hennessy," said owner Andy Stewart.

"Saphir Du Rheu also has an entry at Ascot, but he is almost certain to go for the hurdle."

Wetherby's two-day meeting is due to get underway at 2.10pm this afternoon and it's sure to be an informative couple of days as the jumps really step up a gear.

Back on the Flat, as the curtain begins to come down on another season, Lumiere could have her campaign extended by taking in an outing in the Longines Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.

With next month's Breeders' Cup meeting off the agenda, the Mark Johnston-trained three-year-old may have her focus switched to the Group One prize on December 11.

In what has so far been a campaign of mixed fortunes, the daughter of Shamardal turned in one of her better efforts on her latest start when finishing second in a Group Two at Newmarket.

Charlie Johnston, son and assistant to the Middleham handler, said: "Lumiere is not going to America, but we have entered her in the Hong Kong Mile and that is in the back of our minds at the moment.

"America would come a bit too soon for her. We will just see how she is as that meeting is not until December.

"If she is fit, well and healthy, then it is a definite possibility.

"A mile on quick ground on a fairly sharp track should suit her perfectly."