Big names remain in Champion Hurdle

All of the big names remain among the 22 horses left in the line-up for the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

Hurricane Fly, Thousand Stars and Zaidpour could represent Willie Mullins while the other Irish entries are Cause Of Causes, Rebel Fitz and Steps To Freedom.

Nicky Henderson is responsible for Binocular, Grandouet and Oscar Whisky while other notables are Zarkandar from British champion trainer Paul Nicholls and last year's winner Rock On Ruby.

Grumeti remains entered despite a statement from trainer Alan King on Tuesday indicating that the horse would miss the race.

Classy Flat performer Flying Cross is an interesting entry and may make his jumping debut at the very highest level.

Third behind Sans Frontieres in the 2010 Irish St Leger when trained by Aidan O'Brien, Flying Cross was bought subsequently by owner Robin Geffen but is still to make his first start for new trainer David Pipe.

The others standing their ground are Balder Succes, Cinders And Ashes, Cotton Mill, Countrywide Flame, Khyber Kim, Overturn, Peddlers Cross, Ransom Note, Raya Star.