Beau heads a strong field of 18 for tomorrow`s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Chase at Newbury tomorrow.
There were just five defectors - Marlborough, Browjoshy, Feathered Leader, Extra Jack and Paddy`s Return - at this morning`s declaration stage for the #90,000 handicap.
Interest in the race, always one of the most competitive chases of the season, has been enhanced by the confirmation that Lady Cricket will be lining up.
The mare, the mount of Tony McCoy, is stepping up in trip, having won the Thomas Pink Cup over an extended two miles four furlongs at Cheltenham earlier in the month.
Pipe, a winner of the Hennessy previously with Chatam and Strands of Gold, will also be represented by Strong Tel.
Likely to be vying for favouritism alongside Lady Cricket are the Robert Ogden-owned pair Kingsmark and Ad Hoc.
Kingsmark, trained in Cumbria by Martin Todhunter, completed a hat-trick with a 10-length victory in the Edward Hanmer Chase at Haydock.
Ad Hoc, another improving young chaser, will be partnered by Timmy Murphy.
Paul Nicholls` charge won three on the bounce before falling at the last when in a clear lead at Wincanton.
Ad Hoc`s stablemate Extra Jack has been switched to the Ladbroke Handicap Chase earlier on the card.
Ogden`s fourth entry Marlborough has been a doubtful runner all week with his jockey Mick Fitzgerald unavailable because of injury.
Norman Williamson had been put on standby but connections were concerned the ground would be too soft.
Beau will be ridden by Carl Llewellyn with Nigel Twiston-Davies` other runner King`s Road partnered by Jamie Goldstein.
Ireland whose only previous successes in the race came with Arkle and Bright Highway are represented this time by Alexander Banquet and Foxchapel King.
