Dual winner Altior, Chacun Pour Soi and Defi Du Seuil have all stood their ground after the latest scratchings stage for what promises to be a mouthwatering renewal of the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Henderson’s superstar Altior returned to winning ways at Newbury last Saturday, the Mullins-trained Chacun Pour Soi impressed at the Dublin Racing Festival the previous weekend and Defi Du Seuil has won the Tingle Creek and the Clarence House Chase for Philip Hobbs.

The latter also had the option of running in the Ryanair Chase in the Cotswolds, but has now been scratched from that event, leaving the Champion Chase as his confirmed target.

A Plus Tard, Min, Un De Sceaux and Lady Buttons are also among the 18 still in the mix for the Champion Chase, with Cyrname, Douvan and Footpad among the 13 taken out.

Several of the same horses retain the Ryanair option, including A Plus Tard, Min and Cyrname. Last year’s winner Frodon has also stood his ground, with Riders Onthe Storm and Real Steel also among the 29. Footpad and La Bague Au Roi are two of 15 taken out.

Last year’s winner Paisley Park is very much the headline act in a 29-strong entry for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.

Emma Lavelle’s pride and joy is a short priced favourite to successfully defend his crown and beat the likes of Summerville Boy, City Island and The Worlds End. If The Cap Fits was one of 11 scratchings.

Mullins-trained mare Benie Des Dieux retains the option of both the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.

Her possible rivals should she run against her own sex include Honeysuckle, Apple’s Jade and last year’s winner Roksana.