RSA Chase favourite No More Heroes will head straight for the Cheltenham Festival after connections elected to bypass Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned seven-year-old is one of the best staying novice chasers in Ireland after winning each of his three starts over fences, completing the hat-trick with a brilliant display in Grade One company at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

Connections considered one final run in preparation for his trip across the Irish Sea in this weekend's Flogas Novice Chase, but he did not feature amongst the confirmations on Tuesday.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said in his BoyleSports blog: " No More Heroes will sidestep the Flogas Novice Chase and we'll head straight for the RSA Chase."

Willie Mullins has eight of the 12 remaining entries in the race. Roi Des Francs and Pont Alexandre respective first and second in a Grade Two at Naas three weeks ago, are among his incredibly strong team.

Stablemates Black Hercules so impressive at Warwick, and Outlander unbeaten in two runs over fences, could also run. Measureofmydreams McKinley, Net D'Ecosse and Tell Us More complete the the champion trainer's squad.

The only non-Mullins entries are Monksland Zabana Blair Perrone and Rule The World