Trainer Jessica Harrington reports Moscow Flyer to be in fine shape as he bids to justify favouritism in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham today, for which 11 horses have been declared.
The nine-year-old aims to become the first Irish-trained winner since Klairon Davis in 1996.
He has won all his three other starts this term and took the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy in tremendous style at last year's Festival.
"He travelled over very well. Barry (Geraghty) rode him out yesterday morning and was happy with him. He's settled in and is eating and drinking," said Mrs Harrington.
"He won't mind the ground and just needs a bit of luck in running. I won't give Barry any orders. He has ridden the horse in almost every race and knows him better than anyone."
Asked what she considered the main danger she added: "I see Tiutchev as the biggest threat. He was a very high-class winner of the Arkle. There's no doubt he is a very good horse."
Last year's winner Flagship Uberalles bids to become the first horse since Viking Flagship (1994 and 1995) to win the two-mile championship in consecutive years.
Having failed to shine in two races this term, trainer Philip Hobbs is trying the gelding in blinkers for the first time.
The second and third home 12 months ago, Arthur Moore's Native Upmanship and Paul Nicholls-trained Cenkos, will renew rivalry along with 2000 winner Edredon Bleu, fourth in 2002.
There is a three-strong Irish challenge with Moscow Flyer and Native Upmanship backed up by Florida Pearl.
The 11-year-old races over two miles for the first time since winning the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in 1997.
Trainer Willie Mullins has plumped for this race rather than Thursday's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup in which Florida Pearl has twice been placed.
He has a good record at the Festival having also won the Royal & SunAlliance Chase over three miles in 1998.
But he has had a poor season so far and was pulled up in the Irish Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February when found to have a respiratory tract infection.
Paul Nicholls is doubly represented with Cenkos and Kadarann, as is Martin Pipe, the champion trainer saddling last year's fifth Tiutchev and Seebald, owned by soccer stars Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman.
Champion jockey Tony McCoy partners Tiutchev with Norman Williamson on Seebald.
Nicky Henderson, who sent out Tiutchev to finish fifth last year following an interrupted preparation, believes his representative Geos has place prospects.
"Mick Fitzgerald is adamant that two miles on good ground is what Geos wants and hopefully he has a place chance," said the Seven Barrows trainer.
"It's a very open Champion Chase. There all sorts of permutations you could have.
"Moscow Flyer was very good last year when he won the Arkle but there are lots with chances.
"Tiutchev has a very good chance. He obviously had a poor preparation for us last year but Martin Pipe is doing well with him."
The field is completed by Brian Ellison's Latalomne, who fell at the second last fence when leading last year.
PA