Istabraq heads the list of 20 horses left in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle following today's confirmation stage.
Aidan O'Brien's star has recovered from his workout at Leopardstown last week and remains on course to bid for an unprecedented fourth success in the £270,000 sterling contest.
When asked about Istabraq's well-being the trainer said: "So far he's fine for Cheltenham".
All the leading fancies stand their ground but one notable absentee is Westender. Martin Pipe's six-year-old will instead run in the opening Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle on the same card.
The news was revealed by the champion trainer, who said: "Westender will run in the novice race as that is where we feel he has the best chance of winning. If he had a chance in the Champion, he should certainly win the novice race".