Call Equiname heads 19 confirmations for Saturday's Murphy's Gold Cup at Cheltenham. The Paul Nicholls-trained Queen Mother Champion Chase winner tops the handicap for the £80,000 contest after the expected withdrawal of stable companion See More Business.
"He's done everything right since he came back in from his summer break and I'm happy with him," Nicholls said.
"Call Equiname is best fresh and a course winner - in fact he's never been beaten over fences there, so I'm feeling quite positive."
Martin Pipe, bidding for a third win in four years after the victories of Challenger du Luc and Cyfor Malta, has left in Majadou, Tresor de Mai and Northern Starlight.
But the last-named is likely to be switched to an alternative race on Friday.
Philip Hobbs could also be doubly-represented, with Stormy Passage and last year's third, Dr Leunt, in the field.
Tremallt made a successful return to action at Worcester last month but trainer Tom George is keeping an eye on the weather and his options open.
He said: "The Cheltenham race is the one we want to run in, but I am afraid the ground will end up very fast there and we will not take any chances with him unless everything is totally correct for him.'
Last season's Martell Grand National fourth Addington Boy, who unseated his rider on his seasonal bow in the Peterhouse Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, is another yet to be confirmed a definite starter.
Trainer Ferdy Murphy's son Paul explained: "My father hopes to give him a racecourse gallop in the next few days, the horse will be fit enough, but he just wants to get him that little bit straighter." Venetia Williams could be double-handed with The Outback Way, a winner over the course and distance, and Lake Kariba.
