Footpad© Photo Healy Racing
Ante-post favourite Footpad is one of 28 entries for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
Willie Mullins' charge has looked imperious over fences to date and sets a good standard, while his ow ners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede also have a strong second string in Alan King's Sceau Royal, who is due to run at Doncaster this weekend.
Ballyandy, Brain Power, Petit Mouchoir and Saint Calvados are others among the possibles.
There are 59 entries for the JLT Novices' Chase, with Yanworth (King), Benatar (Gary Moore), Invitation Only (Mullins), Sutton Place (Gordon Elliott), Willoughby Court (Ben Paulong) and Terrefort (Nicky Henderson) ranking as leading contenders.
The RSA Insurance Novices' Chase has attracted 62 entries, with the likes of Black Corton (Paul Nicholls), Finian's Oscar (Colin Tizzard), Monalee (Henry de Bromhead), Fountains Windfall (Anthony Honeyball) and Presenting Percy (Pat Kelly) in the mix.
There are several engaged in both the JLT and RSA, including Willoughby Court and Yanworth.
Noel Meade's Snow Falcon is also in both races, and the trainer said: "Snow Falcon is in good form and the plan is to go for the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown on February 4.
"We have put him in the two races at Cheltenham. I suppose his run in the Flogas will give us more of an idea, although, at this stage, I would say the RSA looks more up his street, but we will see.
"Touch wood, he has been jumping fences better than he jumped hurdles, which is encouraging because he was a good hurdler. Fingers crossed, he can keep going the right way."
