Franchoek faces 14 rivals in the Triumph

Franchoek heads the 15 horses declared for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham tomorrow.

The JP McManus-owned four-year-old has won three Graded races this term and represents the yard of Alan King, successful 12 months ago with Katchit who went on to greater glory this week in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

Celestial Halo, trained by Paul Nicholls and the mount of Ruby Walsh, also takes his chance alongside stablemate Five Dream.

A five strong Irish contingent is spearheaded by Noel Meade´s Silverhand, and also includes Beau Michael, Personal Column, Temlett and Won In The Dark.

David Pipe has given the once-raced Star Of Angels the chance to shine, while recent Haydock winner Serabad makes the final cut.

The Triumph field is completed by Callisto Moon, Diego Velasquez, Lemon Silk, Songe and Special Day.

Beau Michael and Silverhand clash again after finishing first and second at Fairyhouse three weeks ago.

Noel Meade expects Silverhand to turn the tables on the Adrian McGuinness-trained runner this time though.

"I´d be surprised if he didn´t beat Beau Michael at least," said the Navan trainer.

"He won very well the first time and then had a bit of a setback and didn´t run for a while. He´s built like a pocket battleship."

Beau Michael´s jockey Davy Russell is hoping conditions will be on the easy side.

"Any juice in the ground would help Beau Michael. He´s not a mudlark but he likes to get his toe in," he said.