Ex Patriot© Photo Healy Racing
Ex Patriot is the sole entry from Ireland in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Trained by Ellmarie Holden, the five-year-old raced twice in quick succession over the Christmas period, winning at Limerick before chasing home Killultagh Vic at Punchestown.
Long Distance Hurdle hero Beer Goggles is one of 11 possible runners in the Cleeve, while Finian's Oscar is set to revert to the smaller obstacles after meeting with defeat on his last two starts over fences.
Nicky Henderson has entered Thomas Campbell and L'Ami Serge, who also holds entries over fences this weekend.
Wholestone, The Worlds End, Colin's Sister, Agrapart, Court Minstrel and Saint Are are also in the mix, but Lil Rockerfeller has not been entered.
Neil King will give his stable star more time to recover from his slightly disappointing run in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last month.
"He was not right after his last race. I don't know why," said King.
"We had all the tests and nothing came to light. He is fine now and he went out hunting last Thursday.
"Giving him a bit of a break won't do him any harm."
