Moscow Flyer is reported in "great form" as he continues his build-up for Saturday's mouth-watering clash with Azertyuiop in the William Hill Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown.
Jessica Harrington's star won the Grade One contest 12 months ago by four lengths from Azertyuiop.
But Paul Nicholls' charge took his revenge in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March after Moscow Flyer unseated Barry Geraghty four from home when still in contention.
Moscow Flyer also unshipped his rider in the Tingle Creek two years ago but has won all his completed starts over fences.
"He's in great form," Harrington said yesterday. "We did a bit with him on the Curragh on Friday and Barry gave him a jump earlier in the week. He'll do another bit on Tuesday and he'll travel over on Thursday evening."
Moscow Flyer made a winning reappearance at Navan earlier this month when he gave a polished performance to beat Arctic Copper by 25 lengths.
"I hope he's come on for it. It's a natural progression having had a race and a couple of bits of work . . .and I hope he'll arrive at Sandown in great form," said the trainer.
Harrington said the King George at Kempton on St Stephens Day "could be on the agenda" depending on what happens at Sandown this weekend.
PA