Douvan could face as many as 13 rivals in the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Willie Mullins' six-year-old, impressive winner of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle 12 months ago and unbeaten over fences, is a long odds-on favourite.

Ireland's champion trainer has also left in Shaneshill and Outlander

Nicky Henderson has two possibles in Vaniteux and L'Ami Serge, although the latter is more likely to tackle the JLT Novices' Chase. Fox Norton and Baltimore Rock could take their chances for Neil Mulholland, with Venetia Williams leaving in Aso and Zamdy Man The Game Changer is Gordon Elliott's representative while Henry de Bromhead Sizing John and Sizing Codelco in the frame.

Evan Williams' On Tour is also still in the mix as is Garde Le Victorie, but a decision over whether he runs in this or the JLT has still to be made.

Among those taken out were Ttebbob, Velvet Maker Arzal and Rock The World