Mullins has five Gold contenders

Last year's narrow runner-up On His Own is among the 35 entries for the Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham on March 13.

The Willie Mullins-trained 11-year-old was denied by a short head in the 2013 renewal won by Lord Windermere and looked as good as ever when an unlucky second in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown last month.

Mullins has also entered Boston Bob, Champagne Fever, Ballycasey and Djakadam as the trainer searches for a first win in the race.

Dual King George winner Silviniaco Conti is currently favourite and he heads the list of possible runners.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has said he may send the nine-year-old straight to the blue riband event without another run in the hope it is third-time lucky, having fallen and finished fourth in the last two renewals of the race.

Nicholls has other strings to his bow in the shape of Lexus Chase third Sam Winner, Al Ferof, who is likely to have options over shorter trips at the Festival, Unioniste and Black Thunder.

A win for Nicholls this year would draw him level with Arkle's trainer Tom Dreaper at five successes in the great race

Last year's winner Lord Windermere will be aiming for a third successive victory at the meeting having also claimed the RSA Chase two seasons ago.

Bobs Worth won the race for Nicky Henderson in 2013, but was only fifth last year and finished last in the Lexus on his return this season.

Hennessy winner Many Clouds is there for Oliver Sherwood while last year's Irish National hero Shutthefrontdoor is among Jonjo O'Neill's possibles, along with Holywell and Taquin Du Seuil.

Cue Card, Carlingford Lough, Don Cossack, Road To Riches, Dynaste, Smad Place and standing dish The Giant Bolster are others of note while novices Kings Palace and Coneygree have been entered.

Betfred spokesman Andrew Griffiths said: "The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup is the pinnacle of the National Hunt season and we're thrilled with the quality of this year's entry.

"Silviniaco Conti has been firing on all cylinders this season and he justifiably sets the pace in the betting."

Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, sponsors bet: 3-1 Silviniaco Conti, 8-1 Road To Riches, 12-1 Holywell, Lord Windermere, 16-1 Bobs Worth, Many Clouds, 20-1 Boston Bob, Dynaste, Kings Palace, On His Own, Shutthefrontdoor, 33-1 bar.