Strong hand for Nicholls
That trio feature among 10 entries for the Grade One event at the five-day stage.
Also engaged in what looks an intriguing renewal is the Nicky Henderson-trained All Star, who made the perfect debut over the larger obstacles when beating subsequent improver Flying Enterprise in November.
Aztec Warrior could take his chance for Henrietta Knight and Pretty Star may represent Alan King, while Susan Nock has handed her improving nine-year-old Dictum an entry.
Howard Johnson has elected to enter both Royal Rosa and Turnstile in the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest, in which the notable absentee is Feltham scorer Ungaro.
Connections had mentioned the race as the probable next port of call for their Boxing Day winner but owner Sir Robert Ogden could still see his silks carried by According To John at the weekend.
