The unbeaten Peace And Co is the star name among 11 possible runners in Saturday's StanJames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The unbeaten Peace And Co is the star name among 11 possible runners in Saturday's StanJames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson's French recruit won each of his three starts in Britain last season, completing the hat-trick with a narrow victory over stable companion Top Notch in the Triumph Hurdle in March.
Top Notch, runner-up at Haydock and in Newcastle's Fighting Fifth Hurdle so far this season, is also in contention for this weekend's Grade Two contest, as is another Seven Barrows inmate Hargam, who finished third in the Triumph.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is set to saddle Greatwood Hurdle winner Old Guard.
A risto Du Plessis could take a significant step up in class for James Ewart after winning six of his last seven starts.
Jeremy Scott's stable star Melodic Rendezvous and the John Ferguson-trained Purple Bay are both in the mix, while Willie Mullins' Sempre Medici is the only potential Irish challenger.
Cheltenian, Red Riverman and Sgt Reckless complete the list.