Racing:Dunguib and Quevega have been taken out of the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at the six-day stage. Both have alternative Cheltenham targets with the former heading to the Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Quevega defending her crown in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle.
All of the big guns stand their ground including Binocular and Solwhit, both of whom's participation remains in doubt.
Nicky Henderson, trainer of the former, has declared last year's winner Punjabi and Zaynar
Celestial Halo, second in the race last season, is set to represent Paul Nicholls.
A strong Irish team is headed by Go Native and also includes Donnas Palm, Ebadiyan, Jumbo Rio, Kargali, Muirhead, Raise Your Heart, Royal And Regal, and Won In The Dark.
Khyber Kim, Medermit and Starluck complete the declarations.
Legendary trainer Martin Pipe believes the Dunguib camp have done the right thing in sticking to the novice route.
The now-retired Pipe, twice a winner of the Champion, rates the seven-year-old as the 'banker' of the showcase meeting and said: "I would have done the same thing. The Irish think he's the banker and if I had to take five horses there he'd be my first choice. A fast-run race will be ideal for him."
Pipe is also in the corner of Kauto Star landing a third totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, adding: “The ground looks to be favouring him more than Denman and he's simply the best.
"Master Minded won well last time after the injury and should win another Champion Chase."
Pipe also gave a good word to two contenders trained by his son, David.
He said: "Notus De La Tour is near top weight in the Fred Winter and he's only had one run for the stable. But he's a nice young horse who will want good ground.
"Ashkazar has been a little disappointing but the conditions (in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle) should suit him and I'm expecting him to go a lot better."
News also emerged that Smurfit Kappa will end their backing of the Champion Hurdle after this year’s festival. They have sponsored the race since 1991.
Gary McGann, the firm's group chief executive, said: "The Smurfit Kappa Group is pleased to have fully honoured its sponsorship commitment to the Champion Hurdle. We have enjoyed the excellent working relationship with the Cheltenham management team and wish them every success in finding a suitable sponsor for this famous event."