Last year's winner Overturn, drawn in eight, heads a field of 17 for Wednesday's StanJames.com Chester Cup.
Donald McCain's dual-purpose star was last seen in action when finishing second to Rock On Ruby in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Eddie Ahern's mount is the general favourite for the race and he fared much better in the draw stakes than his main rival in the ante-post book, Gulf Of Naples, who will start from 19.
McCain is double-handed with Ile De Re, who makes his first start for the Cholmondeley handler after moving from Ian Williams.
Alan Bailey's Barbican, who was fourth in the Sagaro Stakes at Kempton last Wednesday, is joint top-weight with Overturn.
Aidan O'Brien hasn't declared Apache, while Mark Tompkins' Dazinski not only sneaks in as the 17th runner but he lands the plum draw in one too.
Tompkins' other runner, Mystery Star, wasn't so lucky with the draw as he breaks from 18, though he was third last year from a wide berth.
O'Brien relies on Harrison's Cave (drawn 15), who will be ridden by Ryan Moore.
Never Can Tell, up 7lbs following her Cesarewitch win in October, will break from six and she retains her partnership with Frankie Dettori.
Fourth behind her in the Cesarewitch was Mount Athos and he will bid to improve on his fourth in this race last year under Jamie Spencer on his first start for Luca Cumani.
Northumberland Plate winner Tominator is drawn well in two.
Roger Varian's Shubaat is first reserve with Kevin Ryan's Activate second reserve.
