Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon is a surprise contender in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown.

A novice, his only defeat over fences came in the Arkle at Cheltenham behind Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo.

Since then he has won at Aintree when he appreciated the better ground, but he was expected to be put away for the season.

Henderson is no stranger to running novices in open company with Sprinter Sacre and Altior both winning the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury as novices.

“We’ve put him in so there’s a good chance he’ll turn up. He’s in there to run,” said the Seven Barrows trainer.

“We’re just monitoring him. He seems very well in himself. Everybody at home has been very happy with him and I thought he looked great yesterday and today so we popped him.

“He absolutely bounced off that good ground at Aintree, he really loves it.

“We’ve run novices in open company before so we have done it with others.”

Altior won the Celebration Chase three times himself and if Jonbon runs he will be attempting to stop Greaneteen from achieving the same feat.

Paul Nicholls’ chaser excels at Sandown, with a Tingle Creek to go with his two victories in this race.

Captain Guinness and Editeur Du Gite, second and third to Energumene in the Champion Chase, add further strength in depth to what could prove to be a fascinating Grade One contest.

First Flow, Funambule Sivola, Global Citizen and Magic Daze complete the list.

In the bet365 Gold Cup Saturday’s Scottish National winner Kitty’s Light could make a quick reappearance for Christian Williams.

Last year’s winner Hewick has also been left in by Shark Hanlon, although he has been declared to run in the Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday.

Should Hewick not run Frodon will be at the head of the weights for Nicholls and Bryony Frost.

Nicholls could also run Switch Hitter and Enrillo. The latter was first past the post in the 2021 renewal but was disqualified and placed third.

Hewick has also been left in the bet365 Oaksey Chase in which Nicholls could run McFabulous and Solo.

McFabulous also has the option of running in the bet365 Select Hurdle along with stablemate Knappers Hill.

Goshen, Thyme Hill and Call Me Lord are among eight entries.