Leading Champion Hurdle hope Zarkandar features among the 24 confirmations for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.
The half-brother to Arc winner Zarkava is unbeaten in three starts since joining Paul Nicholls, winning last season's Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham before completing the notoriously difficult double of following up at Aintree a month later.
He has not been seen so far this season, but remains on course to make his eagerly-anticipated return to the track this week. The champion trainer is also set to saddle top-weight Brampour, as well as Empire Levant.
Ladbroke winner Raya Star could bid for another major handicap prize for Alan King, while Darlan and Get Me Out Of Here are two major contenders for leading owner JP McManus.
There are two potential Irish challengers in the Willie Mullins-trained Final Approach and Sailors Warn from the Edward O'Grady stable.
Sire De Grugy, Soldatino, Olofi and Third Intention are others who remain in the mix.
