Well-regarded Death Duty to face 14 rivals in Albert Bartlett

Gordon Elliott has never hidden his admiration for Death Duty and the horse he rates as the best novice hurdler he has ever trained will face 14 rivals in Friday's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

Augusta Kate, who fell when challenging Death Duty last time, also runs, as do Wholestone, The Worlds End and Constantine Bay.

A field of 16 has been assembled for the JCB Triumph Hurdle with long-term ante-post favourite Defi Du Seuil among those declared.

He faces Charli Parcs and Master Blueyes among others, while Mohaayed has crept into the Randox Health County Hurdle.

Alan King, who trains Master Blueyes, wrote in his Racing Post Weekender column: "I was hugely impressed by him in the Adonis at Kempton, it was a very good performance."

Those sitting on betting vouchers for Battleford, Verni and Catamaran Du Seuil for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle can breathe easily, as can those who have supported Mick Thonic and Witness In Court in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual.

The St James's Place Foxhunter Chase has attracted a field of 24, including the well-touted Ask The Weatherman, while declarations for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup the feature race of the festival's final day - were made on Thursday.

Saturday's Betfred Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter is also a 48-hour declarations race and 22 remain in the race with Eider Chase winner Mysteree among the runners.

Friday Cheltenham cards

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