CUE Card is set to go off favourite for Saturday’s Betfair Ascot Chase – with a field of seven runners due to compete.

The 11-year-old was a brilliant winner of his third Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, but proved no match for stable companion Thistlecrack when bidding for back-to-back victories in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Colin Tizzard’s star will bid to take the honours before launching a second crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.

Other contenders include the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Taquin Du Seuil, winner of a big handicap at Cheltenham in December.

Rebecca Curtis has left in Irish Cavalier and Shantou Flyer, while Kylemore Lough could represent Kerry Lee.

The Philip Hobbs-trained Royal Regatta, who won the 1965 Chase over this course and distance, and Gary Moore’s Traffic Fluide, complete the field.

The race – run over two miles and five furlongs – boasts an outstanding roll of honour since its establishment in 1995.

Martha’s Son, One Man, Teeton Mill, Tiutchev, Our Vic, Monet’s Garden, Voy Por Ustedes and Kauto Star all feature among the winners.

Gates open at 10.45am for the seven-race card, with the Betfair Ascot Chase taking place at 3.35pm. The final race is at 4.45pm.

Tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure cost £24 in advance or £28 on the day, while it is £30 (£35) for the King Edward VII Enclosure.