Banquet heads Betfred weights
The defections of Keen Leader, Irish Hussar and Rince Ri from the top of the handicap means the weights will currently rise by 15lb, with the top weight carrying 11st 12lb.
Other notable absentees include Joss Naylor and Artic Jack.
In addition to Alexander Banquet, Mullins has left Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner Rule Supreme in the extended three-mile-five-furlong feature, while Ted Walsh could be represented by Never Compromise.
Philip Hobbs is planning to run both Gunther McBride and What's Up Boys in the £150,000 contest although the weather will ultimately determine their participation.
"What's Up Boys is an intended runner, but Gunther McBride will only run if the ground is good or firmer," said the trainer.
Should Gunther McBride run, he will be a fresh horse, having missed Saturday's Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National at Ayr, while What's Up Boys was brought down at Becher's first time round in the Grand National.
Hobbs reports the 10-year-old to be none the worse for his tumble.
What's Up Boys is on 11st 8lb, although he could end up with top weight should Willie Mullins withdraw Alexander Banquet.
"I've no option but to run What's Up Boys at the weights," commented Hobbs. "The handicapper decides what to give us and we don't get a choice over that.
"If Gunther McBride runs then I presume Richard Johnson will ride him and Paul Flynn will ride What's Up Boys."
Gunther McBride, who was third in the race 12 months ago, had to bypass Ayr on Saturday due to the rain-softened ground, something that may happen again if the forecast proves correct.
The Grade Three contest is the final major race of the National Hunt season and Martin Pipe, going all out to secure the trainers' championship, has eight entries, including Grand National third Lord Atterbury.
The eight-year-old, who is clear favourite with the leading bookmakers, may be the pick of Pipe's team, but he also has a likely candidate in Stormez, who stayed on to take sixth in the Scottish Grand National.
The Nicholashayne handler's other entries are Puntal, Iznogoud, Bounce Back, Royal Predica, Carryonharry and Imperial De Thaix.
His main rival, Paul Nicholls, has three entered Royal Auclair, Fasgo and Early Edition.
Royal Auclair has been in good form in recent months and followed up a second to subsequent Scottish National winner Grey Abbey by finishing third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
Henry Daly has just one challenger in Haut Cercy, who has not been seen out since putting in a disappointing effort when favourite for the William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Shardam could represent Nigel Twiston-Davies, while Howard Johnson may send Scotmail Boy, who was third in the Martell Cognac Topham Chase.
Kings Mistral, who has shown a liking for the Esher course with six of his seven career wins coming there, is another entry, while Montayral, Multi Talented and Lord 'N' Master complete the five-day field.
