Ante-post favourite Ad Hoc is among 23 confirmations for the #90,000 Hennessy Cognac Gold cup at Newbury on Saturday.
The six-year-old, as low as 7-2 in the ante-post betting with William Hill, is one of four horses owned by Robert Ogden.
The gelding, trained by Paul Nicholls, looked a surefire winner on his reappearance at Wincanton until falling at the last in the race won by his stablemate Flaked Oats.
The other three still in the three-and-a-quarter mile contest who carry his colours are impressive Haydock winner Kingsmark, Cheltenham Festival scorer Marlborough and French import Extra Jack.
The weights have been raised 12lb with the defection of Florida Pearl, who originally headed the handicap on 12st.
The increase means that Ad Hoc, who was originally allotted 9st 2lb, is now in the handicap proper on 10st.
The weights are now headed on 11-10 by last season`s Whitbread Gold Cup winner Beau. The seven-year-old, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, was third to Foxchapel King on his seasonal debut at Cheltenham two weeks ago.
Twiston-Davies has also left in King`s Road while Foxchapel King is one of three Irish horses to stand their ground today - the others being Alexander Banquet and Feathered Leader.
The Irish have not captured this prestigious prize since Bright Highway was successful for Michael O`Brien in 1980.
Martin Pipe, triumphant with Stands of Gold (1988) and Chatam (1991) has left in Lady Cricket, winner of the Thomas Pink Gold Cup at Cheltenham earlier this month, and Strong Tel.
Confirmations: Beau, Marlborough, Lord Noelie, Alexander Banquet, Spendid, Strong Tel, Red Marauder, Windross, Lady Cricket, King`s Road, Browjoshy, Kingsmark, Foxchapel King, Bouchasson, Gingembre, Ad Hoc, Esprit de Cotte, Norski Lad, Feathered Leader, Extra Jack, Folly Road, Paddy`s Return, Zaggy Lane. (23)
