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Saphir Du Rheu, Zarkandar and Annie Power all remain in contention for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham next week.

Saphir Du Rheu and Zarkandar form a formidable twin assault for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who won the race four times with the legendary Big Buck's.

Annie Power, runner-up behind More Of That 12 months ago, is also among the 22 confirmations, but is expected to instead take on her own sex in Tuesday's OLBG Mares' Hurdle.

Her trainer Willie Mullins is still likely to be represented after also leaving in Abbyssial, Briar Hill, Pont Alexandre, Un Atout and Zaidpour.

Noel Meade's Monksland, the Tony Martin-trained Dedigout, Jessica Harrington's Jetson and Lieutenant Colonel from Sandra Hughes's yard are other contenders from Ireland.

Former Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby and last year's Coral Cup victor Whisper are also on the list.

With regular pilot Noel Fehily contracted to ride Zarkandar, Rock On Ruby will require a different jockey and t rainer Harry Fry plans to finalise riding plans over the weekend.

He said: "We haven't made a final decision yet. We've said we'll announce it over the weekend and that's what we'll do.

"We've got our shortlist of jockeys and there is no major rush to make a decision. We'll announce it in due course.

"We're delighted with the weather and the forecast of drying ground and Ruby seems in great form, so fingers crossed."