Martin Pipe today unveiled a strong hand for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase and Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase.
He has entered no fewer than 20 horses in the two Grade One Cheltenham novice contests, which he has won twice each in the past.
Kempton Boxing Day winner Gloria Victis and high-class staying hurdler Deano's Beeno head the champion trainer's 13-strong team for the Sun Alliance, which he won with Rolling Ball (1991) and Miinnehoma (1992).
Wahiba Sands and Blowing Wind are among seven who could bid to emulate Pipe's previous Arkle winners Or Royal (197) and Champleve (1998).
Cheltenham was happy with initial fields published today for the two races.
A total of 84 horses have been put in the SunAlliance Chase, an entry number bettered only once in the last 10 years, while the 47 engaged in the Arkle is the third-highest figure in the same period.
Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie said: "It is very pleasing to see such large numbers of exciting young chasers engaged in the two championship novice chases at the National Hunt Festival.
"As we have emphasised in the past, these are the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup and Queen Mother Champion Chase horses of the future.
"So it is great that last year's Irish Independent Arkle Chase winner Flagship Uberalles is one of the leading contenders for this year's Queen Mother Champion Chase and that the Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner Looks Like Trouble is a Gold Cup candidate."
