French star Kasbah Bliss will face a maximum of 15 rivals in pursuit of Ladbrokes World Hurdle glory at Cheltenham next Thursday.
The Francois Doumen-trained seven-year-old was second to the now-retired Inglis Drever 12 months ago and is 11-10 across the board to lift the hurdling crown this time around.
Cleeve Hurdle hero Big Buck's and the well-regarded Punchestowns will be doing their utmost to ensure the prize stays on home soil, while Mighty Man is a fascinating contender having been off the track with injury for almost two years.
The ultra-consistent Fair Along is another with leading claims while others among the 16 acceptors at the confirmation stage include Lough Derg, Mobaasher, Pettifour and Tazbar.
Hot favourite Voy Por Ustedes is among a select field of 12 entries left in the Ryanair Chase the same day.
Alan King's charge is already a dual Festival winner having won the Arkle Trophy and the Champion Chase and is as short as even-money to score again.
Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander and last year's Arkle winner Tidal Bay look set to give him most to do, along with last year's winner of the race Our Vic.
Knight Legend, Newmill, Schindlers Hunt and Scotsirish could all make the journey from Ireland, while Gwanako, L'Antartique, Mister McGoldrick and Monet's Garden complete the possibles.
Dessie Hughes has the utmost respect for the market-leader but is still confident Schindlers Hunt will give a very good account of himself in the Grade One heat.
"We've taken him out of the Festival Plate and we have decided he will definitely take his chance in the Ryanair now," said Hughes.
"He was second over two miles in Naas last time and we were happy enough with that as the ground was too deep for him.
"He won well at Leopardstown the time before on goodish ground and that is what he needs. He just likes enough cut to get his toe in.
"The ground should be fine for him at Cheltenham and he ran well enough there in the Champion Chase last year.
"Voy Por Ustedes looks to stand out and Imperial Commander would be pretty strong too. But our horse will run a big race, that's for sure."