Ivanovich Gorbatov leads a 54-strong entry for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 18.

Trained by Aidan O'Brien, who saddled Istabraq to win three Champion Hurdles, the son of Montjeu impressed when winning on his jumping bow at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Ivanovich Gorbatov is one of 11 entries from Ireland, while Paul Nicholls tops that number with 12 possibles.

Nicky Henderson saddled the first three home last year and has five in the reckoning at this stage, including Saturday's Cheltenham winner Protek Des Flos and Fixe Le Kap

Guy Cherel's Maquisard is the sole French entry.