Leading contenders Reve De Sivola and Oscar Whisky form part of a wide-open field of 14 for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham on Thursday.
With staying colossus and four-times winner Big Buck's sidelined through injury, a new name will be etched on the trophy, with Nick Williams' Long Walk and Cleeve Hurdle victor Reve De Sivola seemingly the chief pretender to the throne.
Oscar Whisky was well beaten when fifth 12 months ago for Nicky Henderson but got close to Reve De Sivola in the Cleeve and tries again.
Peddlers Cross, winner of the Neptune Novices' Hurdle here in 2010, when he beat Reve De Sivola by a length and a half, and runner-up in the Champion Hurdle of 2011, represents Donald McCain.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Big Buck's, saddles Wonderful Charm and Celestial Halo, while Henderson also runs Oscara Dara.
A strong Irish team features Bog Warrior, Zaidpour, So Young and Solwhit.
