19 runners have stood their ground following Monday's confirmation stage ahead of the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Antepost favourite and Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase winner Meetmebythesea headlines the entries as Ben Pauling goes in search of a first victory in the race.
The fast-improving six-year-old is bidding to outline his credentials for next year's Ryanair at the Festival in March.
Paul Nicholls has Ultima third Quebecois among the entries as he eyes fifth win in the race.
Fresh off the back of being crowned champion trainer for the very first time, Dan Skelton looks set to saddle a trio of Blueking d'Oroux, Madara and Riskintheground.
Blueking d'Oroux, whom he only inherited from Nicholls over the summer, looks the most interesting of his three runners on paper and looks set to have ground conditions in his favour. The Skelton team have enjoyed success with multiple ex-Nicholls inmates over the last 12 months, winning races with Kabral Du Mathan, Pic d'Orhy and Sinnatra.
O'Moore Park was one of trainer Martin Keighley's two winners at the October Meeting and he looks like being given the opportunity to follow up from just 4lbs higher. He previously reached a career high mark of 142 when trained by Willie Mullins and looked back to somewhere near his best last month.
Henry De Bromhead is another that is worth paying close attention to when he sends runners to Cheltenham and he could run July Flower and Zurich on Saturday.
He does have a little bit of history stacked against him, however. Tranquil Sea was the last Irish-trained winner of the race, with his victory coming all the way back in 2009 for Edward O'Grady.
Paddy Power Gold Cup entries
Matata
Madara
Meetmebythesea
Johnnywho
Blueking d'Oroux
Riskintheground
July Flower
Quebecois
Issam
O'Moore Park
Guard Your Dreams
Zurich
Norn Iron
Release The Beast
Torneo
Dunkerque
Classic Maestro
Passing Diamond
Moon d'Orange
Paddy Power Gold Cup antepost odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
