Mister Whitaker and Rather Be, who fought out a pulsating finish at the Cheltenham Festival, head the market for the BetVictor Gold Cup following the unveiling of the weights.
Colin Tizzard's 2016 King George winner Thistlecrack sits at the top of the list, and would be conceding upwards of 4lb if he takes his chance at Cheltenham on November 17. Old Roan winner Frodon (11st 8lb), Cloudy Dream (11st 4lb) and Sizing Granite (11st 3lb) are others towards the top.
Mister Whitaker, who won on his reappearance at Carlisle on Sunday, has been allotted 10st 13lb - with Nicky Henderson's Rather Be on 10st 10lb.
Emma Lavelle is keen to run Javert (10st 11lb) after his good effort in the Old Roan behind Frodon.
"We are delighted with Javert. He ran a brilliant race in the Old Roan behind Frodon. He jumped and travelled really well, and handled the step up in class," she said. "We were thrilled with him at Uttoxeter in September - when he won despite having been off the track for so long. I think the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham will remain the plan."
Neil Mulholland is likely to run both Kalondra (10st 9lb) and Shantou Village (10st 4lb).
"Kalondra has been good since Galway - and we have had the BetVictor Gold Cup in mind for a while, because he has run well at Cheltenham before," said Mulholland. "I would like to think he will be very competitive off of his current mark (148). I don't think we have got to the bottom of him yet, and I think he can improve a bit more.Shantou Village will take his chance as well. He also has form at the track."
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