Ante-post favourite Poquelin features among 32 remaining entries for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old has won four times at Prestbury Park and was beaten into second when favourite for this Grade One event last season.
His conqueror, Albertas Run, remains in the mix to repeat the dose, as does the talented Somersby, although trainer Henrietta Knight has indicated the Champion Chase is his preferred target.
Tranquil Sea, Kalahari King and Riverside Theatre are still in contention, while Willie Mullins has a strong hand with Golden Silver, J'y Vole and Hennessy Gold Cup hero Kempes among his possibles.
A total of 14 horses were scratched, including Gold Cup-bound King George hero Long Run.
Dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded, Sizing Europe, Punchestowns and Forpadydeplasterer are other absentees.
