Vautour could face up to 15 rivals when he bids for a second Cheltenham Festival success in the JLT Novices' Chase on Thursday.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old was a stunning winner of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park last March and with stable companion Un De Sceaux all the rage for Tuesday's Arkle Trophy, he is set to tackle the longer event 48 hours later.

The champion jumps trainer is also set to saddle Valseur Lido winner of the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse earlier this season, and has also left in the smart mare Vroum Vroum Mag

Noel Meade's Apache Stronghold narrowly beat Valseur Lido at Leopardstown last month and is set to cross the Irish Sea to renew rivalry. The Tullow Tank trained by Sandra Hughes, completes the raiding party.

Paul Nicholls has a couple of contenders in Ptit Zig and Irish Saint while God's Own and Splash Of Ginge also feature.