23 still in Triumph picture

Ante-post favourite Defi Du Seuil features among 23 horses left in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday following the confirmation stage.

Philip Hobbs' charge, owned by JP McManus, has won all his five starts to date and will bid to give his trainer a third success in the four-year-old championship after Made In Japan (2004) and Detroit City (2006).

Alan King has Coeur De Lion and Master Blueyes in contention as he, too, seeks a third win after Penzance (2005) and Katchit (2007).

Gordon Elliott, who struck with Tiger Roll in 2014, has Dinaria Des Obeaux and Mega Fortune.

Other Irish entries include Willie Mullins Bapaume and Dandy Mag, Ellmarie Holden's Ex Patriot and Long Call from Tony Martin's stable.

Joseph O'Brien, who supervised Ivanovich Gorbatov to land the spoils for his father Aidan 12 months ago, has Landofhopeandglory in his own right now he has taken out a trainer's licence.

Seven Barrows trainer Nicky Henderson has Charli Parcs and Soldier In Action as he attempts to add to his record tally of six victories, while The Queen's colours are set to be carried by Forth Bridge, trained by Charlie Longsdon.