SPRINTER Sacre features among 26 entries for the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 12.

Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson’s superstar has questions to answer after being diagnosed with a fibrillating heart on his first start of the season when pulled up at Kempton.

While his participation is still in the balance, last year’s winner remains the standout contender.

Henderson has also entered Captain Conan, Kid Cassidy and French Opera.

Meanwhile, jockey Barry Geraghty believes the state of the going on Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup day will have a big bearing on whether Bobs Worth can retain his crown on March 14.

Last year’s winner got his season back on track when he showed a devastating turn of foot to win the Lexus at Leopardstown over Christmas after a lifeless reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

“The Lexus was a top-class race with all the form horses there, so it was a really good race,” Geraghty said. “It was a good performance. He picked up well going to the last and quickened really well off the back of it. I think the ground in the Gold Cup was on the softer side for him. He was very much workmanlike in the Gold Cup, whereas in Leopardstown he showed his pace.

“I’d imagine it’s straight to the Gold Cup.

“He’s better with space between his races as he does take a while to recover.

“I’d be very hopeful (he can win again). The ground will be a big factor on the day. The better the ground, the better for him.”