Crabbie's Grand National winner Many Clouds is among 11 confirmations for the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.
Oliver Sherwood's stable star, who also won the Hennessy Gold Cup and the BetBright Cup Chase, could begin the new campaign in this Grade Two contest over three miles.
A stellar entry includes last year's winner, the Philip Hobbs-trained Menorah, whose rider Richard Johnson has high hopes of a repeat success.
"The Whateleys have some wonderful old favourites and Menorah will try to win Saturday's Charlie Hall Chase for the second year running," he told betway.com.
"You can't knock him, he's been an amazing horse for the yard. I sat on him last week and he feels in really good order."
Other big names on the list are Colin Tizzard's Cue Card, Jonjo O'Neill's Holywell, David Pipe's duo of Dynaste and Ballynagour and Paul Nicholls' pair Rocky Creek and Sam Winner.
The 11 are completed by Alderbrook Lad, Irish Cavalier and The Romford Pele.
