The New One may have nine rivals
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ stable star has had this race as his target since winning at Haydock in November but it initially seemed he had scared off most of his potential rivals after the race was reopened on Monday.
Twiston-Davies may also run Mad Moose, who has been entered in the Relkeel Hurdle on the same card.
Nicky Henderson has entered impressive Ascot winner Sign Of A Victory and Greatwood Hurdle runner-up Vaniteux.
Venetia Williams has given Zamdy Man the option after he ran so well behind The New One at Haydock, while Tom George may run Olofi.
Dan Skelton could be responsible for Bertimont, with Pat Shanahan’s King Of The Picts, who is also engaged in the Relkeel, still in the hat.
The Lawney Hill duo of Mighty Mambo and Billy Twyford complete the list.
Bertimont was last seen finishing second in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton and is poised to go head to head with The New One.
Meanwhile, Rock On Ruby is among a strong field of 12 possible runners for the Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Sent chasing last season, he never recovered from an early mistake in the Arkle at Cheltenham in March and now finds himself back over hurdles.
Rock On Ruby made a pleasing return to action at Wincanton and would be stepping back up in trip, having run well over two and a half miles at Aintree in the past.
Melodic Rendezvous is in the mix after the race was reopened. Trainer Jeremy Scott has also entered him over fences at Bangor on Friday.
David Pipe’s Dell ’Arca may revert to hurdles having so far failed to win over fences this season.
In-form Philip Hobbs has entered Greatwood Hurdle winner Garde La Victoire, while Nigel Twiston-Davies has given the enigmatic Mad Moose the option.
Nicky Henderson may run Volnay De Thaix, with Hughie Morrison’s Brother Brian another smart horse in the shake-up.
Lac Fontana, Peckhamecho, Ulzana’s Raid and Saffron Wells are others to note.
The sole Irish possible is Pat Shanahan’s King Of The Picts, who has also been given the option of the International Hurdle on the same card.
