Kauto Star is the 4 to 7 favourite for the Tingle Creek Trophy after the brilliant Betfair Chase winner was confirmed as a definite runner at the weekend.
In a surprise move, Paul Nicholls' Cheltenham Gold Cup hope will drop back to two miles for the first time since falling in the Queen Mother Champion Chase as he bids to retain his crown at Sandown.
"He's in great form and, having won the race last year, we are really looking forward to running in it again," said Nicholls.
Kauto Star's next appearance was expected to be in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
But after liaising with owner Clive Smith and regular jockey Ruby Walsh, Nicholls opted to send his six-year-old to Esher, where he won the Tingle Creek with a length and a half to spare from Ashley Brook 12 months ago.
Nicholls' assistant Dan Skelton added: "He (Nicholls) had a discussion with Clive and Ruby about the whole thing to see what's best and they've decided to give the horse a chance.
"He hasn't had a hard race this season and he's lightly-raced overall and I'm sure a lot of people will want to see him run."
TINGLE CREEK CHASE(William Hill): 4-7 Kauto Star, 7-2 Voy Por Ustedes, 7-1 Foreman, 11-1 Central House, Fota Island, 16-1 Armaturk, Ashley Brook, 25-1 Cerium, Dempsey, Mister McGoldrick (doubtful), 33-1 Oneway, 100-1 Hoo La Baloo, Full House.
