Samcro is the star name amongst 11 entries for the Navan Novice Hurdle on Sunday.
Gordon Elliott has never made any secret of the regard in which he holds the five-year-old and he has lived up to the billing thus far by winning three bumpers and twice over hurdles.
He was particularly impressive when landing the Grade Three "Monksfield" Novice Hurdle over this course and distance last month and he will be a warm order to follow up in a Grade Two contest his trainer has won twice in the last three years with the ill-fated No More Heroes (2014) and Death Duty (2016).
Elliott has also entered Cracking Smart, Delta Work and Poli Roi.
Willie Mullins has won four of the last six renewals and his only contender this year is Next Destination, who dominated his rivals on his hurdling debut at Naas.
Paul Nolan's Discorama, the Noel Meade-trained quartet of Half The Odds, Minella Fair, Moyross and Red Jack and Jetz from Jessica Harrington's yard complete the field.
Samcro is 6/4 with Sky Bet to win any race at the Cheltenham Festival.
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