At Fishers Cross will face a maximum of eight rivals in Saturday's bet365 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury after the race was reopened.
The Rebecca Curtis-trained six-year-old is the heir to staying throne of Big Buck's for many after winning at Cheltenham and Aintree last spring.
With Tony McCoy in action at Newcastle riding My Tent Or Yours in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, Barry Geraghty will come in for the plum mount.
Speaking to At The Races, Geraghty said: "I think Rebecca Curtis has done a great job with him, last year he went from strength to strength.
"His form reads great, he beat The New One and African Gold and then he showed he was as able on better ground as he did it at Aintree."
Paul Nicholls has two strings to his bow in an attempt to keep the title at his Ditcheat yard having won it for the last four years with Big Buck's.
Celestial Halo runs in the same Andy Stewart colours while Salubrious would be stepping up from handicap company.
The Nick Williams-trained Reve De Sivola came from the clouds to win a Grade One in France four weeks ago and will have his followers on his return.
Alan King's Coral Cup winner Medinas was collared by Tidal Bay at Wetherby on his comeback and adds further strength in depth.
Ian Williams has entered his smart prospect Ballyalton, owned by golfer Lee Westwood's dad, John.
The versatile Battle Group could run for Johnny Farrelly after picking up a minor injury in the Paddy Power Gold Cup with Buachaill Alainn (Peter Bowen) and Milborough (Tim Vaughan) completing the field.
