Moscow Flyer will be out to land his 22nd win of a remarkable career when bidding for back-to-back victories in the Ballymore Properties Fortria Chase at Navan on Sunday.
The 10-year-old faces just five rivals as he tries to follow up a smooth five-length victory from Glenelly Gale 12 months ago.
"He seems in great form and runs on Sunday, all being well," trainer Jessica Harrington said today.
"We would have him right for his first run, but hopefully he will come on for it."
Twice a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, Moscow Flyer is a 25-1 shot with Coral for the Gold Cup, while he is also quoted as a general 5-2 chance for the Arkle Trophy.
The gelding has yet to tackle a distance beyond two and a half miles but has been considered likely to run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
However, Mrs Harrington said today that Moscow Flyer will first bid to repeat his triumph in the two-mile Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown next month, a race in which he defeated Azertyuiop last year.
"The plan is to go for the Tingle Creek from here as we are still open-minded about his distance for the rest of the season," added Mrs Harrington.
Moscow Flyer was last seen beating Rathgar Beau by two lengths in the Punchestown Champion Chase last April, and will again lock horns with that rival in Sunday's Grade Two contest.
Noel Meade will saddle Arctic Copper and Arthur Moore will be represented by Fadoudal Du Cochet, while Fiery Ring and Victor Boy complete the line-up for the two-mile event.