Racing:Binocular and Solwhit have both been left in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at the six-day stage.
The former had been expected to miss the Festival but could book his place in the line-up if pleasing connections when working this week.
Solwhit had been challenging for favouritism before scoping badly on Monday and he faces a race against time to be fit for the big race.
Two notable absentees are Dunguib and Quevega but both have alternative Cheltenham targets with the former heading to the Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Quevega defending her crown in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Binocular, has declared last year's winner Punjabi and Zaynar
Celestial Halo, second in the race last season, is set to represent Paul Nicholls.
A strong Irish team is headed by Go Native and also includes Donnas Palm, Ebadiyan, Jumbo Rio, Kargali, Muirhead, Raise Your Heart, Royal And Regal, and Won In The Dark.
Khyber Kim, Medermit and Starluck complete the declarations.