Pont heads Neptune 24

The leading contenders have stood their ground for Wednesday's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

A total of 24 entries remain in Wednesday's two mile five furlong contest which is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited races of the week with stable confidence high behind Pont Alexandre, The New One and Taquin Du Seuil.

Mouse Morris also feels that his Rule The World has gone under the radar, saying: "He's done nothing wrong and he'll definitely run in the Neptune. He's going over there in good fettle and we're looking forward to it. I'm not worried about the ground - I don't think it makes any difference to him."

Gordon Elliott has handed entries to Cause Of Causes and Bonisland who both retain multiple options next week while Willie Mullins could run Mozoltov, Un Atout or Champagne Fever in addition to Pont Alexandre.

Options have been left open for both Melodic Rendezvous and Puffin Billy who are both in the Supreme on the opening day while Chatterbox, Minsk and Alan King's progressive Two Rockers are other notable entries.