The seven-year-old provided Paul Nicholls with a first Champion Hurdle success, although he is housed at a satellite yard overseen by Harry Fry.

Nicholls could also run Zarkandar, who was spotted making good late headway at Cheltenham and should be suited by the step up in trip.

Ruby Walsh rode Hurricane Fly for Willie Mullins in the Champion Hurdle, with Noel Fehily on Rock On Ruby and Daryl Jacob on Zarkandar.

While Hurricane Fly is not running, his stablemate Thousand Stars is a possible and he finished second in the race 12 months ago to Oscar Whisky.

Oscar Whisky is Nicky Henderson's sole entry and will be better suited to this trip after failing to stay three miles in the World Hurdle behind Big Buck's.

Champion Hurdle runner-up Overturn represents Donald McCain, while Colin Tizzard's Third Intention and Michael Scudamore's Saphir River complete the seven entries.