War Of Attrition has been confirmed a definite starter in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday by trainer Mouse Morris.
Connections had been deliberating which Festival race the seven-year-old would go for, with the Ryanair Chase - sponsored by his owner Michael O’Leary - having also been under consideration.
However, Morris said: "We have made a decision - the owner left it up to me and Conor O’Dwyer and there is only one Gold Cup.
"The horse is in good form and we are hoping for the best."
War Of Attrition is a best-priced 10-1 chance for the blue riband after finishing a well-beaten second to Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Sent off favourite for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at last year’s Festival, he only came home seventh but has been in good order this winter and claimed the scalp of last year’s Gold Cup winner Kicking King in October.