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Chester Cup entry for Zarkandar

Zarkandar (right)Zarkandar (right)
© Photo Healy Racing

Champion jumps trainer-elect Paul Nicholls has given Zarkandar an entry in the StanJames.com Chester Cup.

The smart hurdler is among 51 possibles for the valuable staying handicap at the Roodee on May 7.

Nicholls stressed it is no more than an entry at this stage with Zarkandar, who was fourth to Whisper in the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree. The seven-year-old is also engaged in the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle at Punchestown on May 1 while a trip to Auteuil is also in the equation.

"It's a tentative entry just to have a look," said the Ditcheat handler.

"He is in at Punchestown and he could even go to Auteuil.

"It's an entry, no more than that."

Nicky Henderson has entered Earth Amber and Royal Irish Hussar, while Donald McCain, who won successive Chester Cups with Overturn and Ile De Re in 2011 and 2012, has put in Mawaqeet. In-form Alan King could try with Chocala.

North Yorkshire trainer Richard Fahey has entered Angel Gabrial and Duke Of Clarence as he tries to back up last year's win for owner Dr Marwan Koukash with Address Unknown.