Willie Mullins dominates the entries for Durkan Memorial
Mullins could run Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Djakadam, Grade One scorer Valseur Lido, 2013 Gold Cup second Sir Des Champs, who returned from a long-lay off to win first time out on his return, and RSA Chase hero Don Poli.
Valseur Lido and and Don Poli both have entries at Aintree on Saturday and while the latter is thought likely to take up his option on Merseyside, Ruby Walsh stated the former was set to stay at home.
Another horse confirmed for the Grade One, won by Don Cossack last year, is Gordon Elliott’s Clarcam, who was no match for Ptit Zig at Down Royal last time out.
“He goes for the John Durkan and then on to Leopardstown (at Christmas).” said Elliott.
The consistent Hidden Cyclone is on course to represent Shark Hanlon after his recent success in the Fortria Chase.
Ted Walsh has entered Foxrock, while the well-backed Gilgamboa could run for Enda Bolger.
Likely outsider Texas Jack has also been confirmed by Noel Meade, with Flemenstar still in the shake-up for Anthony and Stephen Curran.
Meanwhile Saphir Du Rheu will return to hurdling following his defeat in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.
Trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Andy Stewart have decided to go back over smaller obstacles with the six-year-old after he faded into fifth place, beaten 22 lengths by Smad Place, at the weekend.
Saphir Du Rheu is likely to have the Ladbrokes World Hurdle as his aim this March, rather than the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with the likelihood that he goes back over fences next season.
Nicholls and Stewart will be hoping for a similar to scenario to that of Big Buck’s, who unseated his rider in the Hennessy and then went on to rule the staying hurdling division.
Saphir Du Rheu finished second to Cole Harden in the World Hurdle last season.
Stewart said: “He made two bad mistakes at Newbury, and that, combined with top weight in soft ground, was the end for him.
“Well done to Alan King, though, I’ve always had a soft spot for Smad Place after he finished third to Big Buck’s in one of his World Hurdles.
“There’s be no Gold Cup for Saphir in 2016 so he may as well go back over hurdles.
“There’s a chance the World Hurdle is open this year. We could go down that route and then go back chasing next season.”
