Ante-post favourite Darlan will face 18 rivals in Tuesday's Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson's starlet fell on his most recent start at Newbury but along with jockey Tony McCoy has recovered well enough to take his place in the traditional curtain raiser.
Henderson has won the race twice before, in 1986 and 1992, and has a remarkable 39 Festival winners to his name.
Also taking part in the two mile contest will be Vulcanite and Hazy Tom, trained by former Henderson assistant Charlie Longsdon, whilst Paul Nicholls will saddle the Graham Wylie-owned Prospect Wells who will be ridden by Ruby Walsh.
Nicholls won the race last year with Al Ferof and will be hoping to record his third Supreme Novices' success as a trainer.
Philip Hobbs runs Colour Squadron, Alan King Montbazon and Donald McCain will rely on Cinders And Ashes as well as Agent Archie, with stable jockey Jason Maguire riding the former.
A strong Irish challenge will be led by Jessica Harrington's Steps To Freedom, and includes Willie Mullins' trio of Midnight Game, Allure Of Illusion and Simenon as well as Distant Memories, Trifolium and Galileo's Choice.
The field will be completed by David Pipe's Catch Tammy, Noel Meade's Dylan Ross and Tim Vaughan's Jimbill.
