Connections of Monty's Pass are expecting the 11-year-old to make a bold bid to repeat last year's memorable victory in the Martell Cognac Grand National on Saturday.
Jimmy Mangan's stable star has not won over fences since landing the biggest gamble in the history of the Aintree showpiece with an impressive 12-length call over Supreme Glory last April.
Monty's Pass, who has warmed up for the Grand National with two outings over hurdles this year, will race off a mark 14lb higher on Saturday but Mangan said: "He's in great form. I couldn't ask for better. I've been very happy with his preparation.
"He ran well in Naas over two miles in a novice hurdle when David Casey rode him and David was pleased with him. He came home well so another two and a half miles and the big fences will be a big help."
When asked if he thought Monty's Pass could become the first horse since Red Rum in 1973 and 1974 to record back-to-back wins in the great race, County Cork-based Mangan said: "It's not impossible. He loves it over there. He's been there twice. He was second in the Topham and he won last year. So all going well
and a clear round he'll run a big race.
"The good ground will also be a big help to him."
Mangan is hoping current top weight First Gold is declared for the Grand National at tomorrow's final declaration stage.
He said: "I'm hoping First Gold will stay in tomorrow otherwise I'll go up another 3lb. He left for Aintree this afternoon. He's a good, clean-winded horse and will just have a light canter once he gets to Aintree.
"He's as fit as he's ever going to be and we are hoping he will do it again."