Racing Plus Chase: Captain Chris allotted top weight

Captain Chris (near) was second in the King George last time

Captain Chris, just touched off by Long Run in the King George VI Chase, has been handed top weight of 11st 12lb in the Racing Plus Chase back at Kempton on February 23.

The nine-year-old's trainer Philip Hobbs is also responsible for the next two in the weights, Menorah (11st 6lb) and Wishfull Thinking (11st 5lb), though both of those have other potential engagements prior to the Cheltenham Festival.

Quinz, one of four Hobbs-trained winners of this three-mile prize when successful two years ago, is again engaged. He has had his troubles since to say the least, but his weight of 10st 1lb corresponds to the same BHA mark of 144 he shouldered to success in 2011.

Hobbs could also saddle Chance Du Roy (10st 5lb) and Duke Of Lucca (9st 11lb).

Tom George's popular grey Nacarat has been given 10st 12lb ahead of a possible fifth successive appearance in this valuable handicap. Triumphant in 2009 and 2012, the 12-year-old grey was second in 2010 and third in 2011.

Seabass, third in last year's John Smith's Grand National and second on his reappearance over hurdles at Fairyhouse on Tuesday, has been handed 10st 11lb.

His trainer Ted Walsh also has Colbert Station (10st 6lb), a winner over hurdles on Sunday. Ireland's only other representative is Sarteano (9st 7lb), trained by Dessie Hughes.

Other notable entrants include David Bridgwater's highly-progressive chaser Wyck Hill and United House Gold Cup winner Roberto Goldback, the latter quickly back down to just 4 lb higher than his last winning mark.