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Last year's winner Johns Spirit is among a field of 19 declared for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Jonjo O'Neill's seven-year-old warmed up for a repeat bid with victory over the course on his seasonal return last month.

With Rajdhani Express and Uxizandre having been withdrawn as expected, Johns Spirit now heads the handicap along with Oscar Whisky from Nicky Henderson's stable.

Ante-post favourite Present View is set to take his chance for trainer Jamie Snowden, while Evan Williams saddles leading fancy Buywise and King Massini.

Among the other fancied runners are Emma Lavelle's Edgardo Sol, Martin Keighley's stable stalwart Champion Court and Malcolm Jefferson's Attaglance.

There are two Irish-trained hopefuls, Charles Byrnes' Shanpallas and the Thomas Gibney-trained Orpheus Valley.

Last year's runner-up Colour Squadron, who is engaged to run at Cheltenham on Friday, was the most significant defection.