Harchibald, ante-post favourite for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, heads a list of seven declared for the Stan James Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.
Noel Meade's Irish raider is as low as 9-2 with William Hill for the Cheltenham Festival and a win at Kempton would reinforce his position at the head of the market.
The five-year-old, an impressive winner of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on his last start, will face a tough challenge though with former champion hurdler Rooster Booster his chief rival.
Howard Johnson's exciting novice Arcalis is an interesting contender after his facile success at Newcastle last week but he will be having just his third start over hurdles.
Paul Nicholls' Elite Hurdle winner Perouse will bid to atone for a disappointing run last time while Francois Doumen sends Blue Canyon from France.
Henrietta Knight switches Impek back to hurdles while the Steve Gollings-trained Castleshane completes the line-up.
Only three were taken out of the race at today's final declaration stage, Brave Inca, Nawamees and Yeoman Lad.
Brave Inca would have been well-fancied had he made the trip across from Ireland but trainer Colm Murphy has opted for Wednesday's Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown instead.
Murphy said: "He's fine and is going to Leopardstown on Wednesday instead. We wanted a look at the Kempton race but we fancy another crack at Solerina back over two miles."
Harchibald, who also won the Morgiana Hurdle in good style, is due to arrive at Kempton tomorrow.
Meade rates Rooster Booster as the big danger to his charge.
"Everything has gone to plan and he's in good form," said the County Meath handler.
"He is due to travel over on the ferry with Kicking King.
"He's been fine since Newcastle and he's well. I should think Rooster Booster will be the one we all have to beat so it's fingers crossed."
