Racing:Willie Mullins spearheads the Irish assault on this year's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham while last year's winner Binocular is top of the 13 six-day entries.
Champion trainer Mullins has left in Hurricane Fly and Thousand Stars, with Philip Fenton represented by Dunguib. The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old is one of two probables from the Nicky Henderson team. The other is Welsh Champion Hurdle winner Oscar Whisky, while Khyber Kim, who was runner-up 12 months ago, could try to go one better for Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Menorah, who took the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on this card last year, is a strong candidate from the Philip Hobbs stable, having won both of his starts at Cheltenham this term. Peddlers Cross, who also won at the 2010 Festival, represents trainer Donald McCain, along with Overturn, and has a 100 per cent record to defend.
Alan King is double-handed with the progressive Mille Chief and Salden Licht. Clerk's Choice and Bygones Of Brid make up the baker's dozen.
Get Me Out Of Here, also owned by McManus, has been withdrawn, along with Cue Card, who instead goes for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Medermit heads 13 entries for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy.
Alan King's grey was last seen winning the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown and could lock horns again with the runner-up Captain Chris, trained by Philip Hobbs, and the fourth home, Jonjo O'Neill's Rock Noir.
Paul Nicholls's Ghizao, one of the leading fancies for the race, is all set to line-up for David Johnson and Andy Stewart and their families.
Nicky Henderson's Finian's Rainbow may be joined by stablemate Giorgio Quercus, whilst Dan Breen, sporting first-time blinkers, is set to represent David Pipe.
Mikael D'Haguenet remains entered, despite disappointing so far over fences, whilst Willie Mulllins has also entered Blazing Tempo, with both horses owned by Rich Ricci.
Noel Meade is looking for his first win in the race and relies on Realt Dubh, whilst William's Wishes and West With The Wind are entered for Evan Williams.
Colin Tizzard's Cue Card will face a maximum of 21 rivals for the Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle were released.
A strong Irish challenge is led by Mouse Morris' First Lieutenant, Dermot Weld's Hidden Universe, and Willie Mullins' Zaidpour, whilst So Young may also represent Mullins.
Nicky Henderson's pair of Spirit Son and Sprinter Sacre stand their ground, along with the unbeaten Gibb River, leaving jockey Barry Geraghty with the prospect of a difficult decision to make.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls could be represented by Al Ferof, Rock On Ruby and Sam Winner, with the latter being one of three four-year-old's who still hold an entry. Marsh Warbler and Tillahow are the other two.
Recent totesport Trophy winner Recession Proof is entered for John Quinn, along with Gary Moore's Megastar and Philip Hobbs' Dunraven Storm.
Day Of A Lifetime was the biggest name to be scratched from the race at the latest entry stage.