Nicky Henderson's exciting pair of Buveur D'Air and Santini head Boxing Day entries at Kempton

Nicky Henderson's top-class hurdler will face a maximum of seven rivals in the Grade 1 contest at Kempton.

Buveur D'Air is long odds-on to extend his winning sequence and land back-to-back renewals of the contest.

His rivals could include stablemate Verdana Blue who was last seen on the Flat at Kempton but is a high-class mare in her own right.

Iain Jardine's Bedrock caused a shock when beating Samcro at Down Royal earlier in the season and would be an interesting contender.

Ben Pauling is set to run Global Citizen while Harry Fry's If The Cap Fits could take a drop back in trip after winning the Coral Hurdle at Ascot.

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Warren Greatrex's Boite, Paul Nicholls' Old Guard and Dan Skelton's Stowaway Magic complete the potential field.

Grade 1 honours are also up for grabs in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase which has attracted 12 entries with Henderson's Santini the likely headline act.

The classy hurdler looked the part on his chasing debut at Newbury and is set to return to the highest level.

Henderson also has Chef Des Obeaux and Mr Whipped in the mix, while Greatrex could run his prolific mare La Bague Au Roi.

Fry's Bags Groove and The Worlds End, trained by Tom George, are other possibles in what promises to be a fascinating affair.

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