Gorbatov heads Irish challenge in Triumph

Ante-post favourite Ivanovich Gorbatov is one of 25 juveniles confirmed for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday.

Officially trained by Aidan O'Brien but chiefly prepared by his son Joseph, the JP McManus-owned four-year-old made a sparkling start to his jumping career at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting before suffering an odds-on reverse on his return to the track for last month's Spring Juvenile Hurdle.

Despite that disappointing display, Ivanovich Gorbatov remains at the top of the betting, with connections hopeful he will bounce back on the forecast sounder surface next week.

Willie Mullins has a formidable hand, with Spring Juvenile first and third Footpad and Let's Dance joined by stable companions Apple's Jade and Voix Du Reve.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Zubayr is a major contender after impressing on his British debut in Kempton's Adonis Hurdle, while Alan King can call on Sceau Royal Who Dares Wins and Gibralfaro