Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth heads a field of 14 remaining in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday week at the latest acceptance stage.
Nicky Henderson named the Dublin track's three-mile showpiece as a likely target after the eight-year-old disappointed when only sixth to Cue Card in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on his seasonal debut.
Paul Nicholls, who sent out Tidal Bay to take a thrilling renewal in 2012, is set to rely on Unioniste, who was a good winner at Aintree earlier this month.
The Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant was beaten just a head by Tidal Bay last year and could try to go one better.
Sir Des Champs, fourth 12 months ago and second to Bobs Worth in the Gold Cup, is one of three possible from Willie Mullins' stable.
The others are Prince De Beauchene, in the Tidal Bay colours of Andrea and Graham Wylie, and Rubi Ball, who holds an alternative engagement in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle on the same card.
Benefficient, Foildubh, Lord Windermere, Lyreen Legend, Quito De La Roque, Roi Du Mee, Rubi Light and Texas Jack make up a quality list of possibles.
