Long Run and Kauto Star feature among 26 remaining entries in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but Quito De La Roque has been taken out.
Colm Murphy has admitted defeat with the eight-year-old, who was a late absentee from last Sunday’s Irish Hennessy.
He is currently on a course of antibiotics and will now be aimed at the Punchestown Festival.
“We’ve taken him out as he’s got a problem with his sinuses,” said Murphy.
“He’s on a course of antibiotics and we are just hoping it clears up soon. Nothing much has gone right with him this season, but at least it might explain his run in the Lexus. We’ll look to Plan B now and hope to get to Punchestown.”
Others taken out include Jessies Dream, Bostons Angel, Finian’s Rainbow, Albertas Run, Hey Big Spender, Halley and Wayward Prince.
As well as the big two, the likes of Weird Al, Diamond Harry, Grands Crus, Synchronised, Time For Rupert, Captain Chris and Burton Port have stood their ground.
Midnight Chase, Medermit, Mon Mome and Junior also remain.
Long Run remains the favourite for the race with Victor Chandler at 2/1, with Kauto Star next on the list at 10/3.
Albertas Run is on target to bid for a hat-trick of wins in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15.
The Jonjo O’Neill-trained gelding has been taken out of the Gold Cup at the latest confirmation stage, leaving the Ryanair as his only option, and he is an 8/1 chance with Victor Chandler, behind 5/1 favourite Somersby.
“I took him out of the Gold Cup and the plan is to go for the Ryanair,” said O’Neill.
“He had a bit of a leg injury after Aintree and it has been a bit frustrating. He’s a year older now, but I hope I can get him there in one piece.”