Bitofamixup looks set to take his chance in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton on Saturday.

The former smart hunter chaser galloped yesterday and, despite failing to impress, connections believe the eight-year-old is ready to run.

"He worked well enough - better than the horse he was upsides," trainer Mike Roberts said. "His jockey thought he did enough but he didn't really sparkle.

"He used to be a real live wire on the gallops but as he's got older he's got more laid back so perhaps he was just being lazy.

"I think I'm prepared to let him take his chance on Saturday.

"Bitofamixup is better on a faster surface so I hope it is drying out at Kempton.

"If he's as good as we think he is he must have a chance - although he will come on for the race and all being well after Saturday he will run at Cheltenham in either the Kim Muir or the William Hill Handicap."

Bitofamixup has been off the track since winning at Worcester last May.

Roberts explained: "He picked up an injury on our new gallop, nothing serious, just some heat in a leg - so we thought we had better give him some time off.