Spillane’s Tower is set to run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on 26 December after being been added as a supplementary entry.
The six-year-old, trained by Jimmy Mangan for owner JP McManus, was a dual winner at the top Grade One level last season.
Last year’s King George fourth The Real Whacker and French contender Juntos Ganamos have also been added to the line-up at a cost of £4,600 each.
Meanwhile, former champion hurdler Constitution Hill could meet rising star Lossiemouth in the Christmas Hurdle.
Constitution Hill has been off the track with a variety of issues since winning at Kempton 12 months ago.
Spillane’s Tower was second to Fact to File on his return to action at Punchestown last month with double Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs in third.
McManus also has the Emmett Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross entered for the King George.
Grey Dawning, the Betfair Chase runner-up trained by Dan Skelton, is among leading contenders.
“This type of test, a flat track and a bit better ground, should really, really suit him,” said Skelton.
Two previous winners, Bravemansgame and Hewick, are set to line up again.
Among 14 confirmations on Friday were the Venetia Williams duo, Royale Pagaille and L’Homme Presse, along with Lucinda Russell’s Ahoy Senor.
The Irish challenge includes Envoi Allen and Banbridge while Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm plan to send over General En Chef and Il Est Francais from their base in France.
Il Est Francais was pulled up on his latest run but produced a scintillating display when winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the same course and distance 12 months ago.
“I think if he can reproduce what he did last year then we’re going there with a winning chance,” said George.