The stage is set for an exciting renewal of the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday, despite only four runners.
Bravemansgame heads the quartet, which features an all-star cast - last year's winner Protektorat, Grand National hero Corach Rambler and course specialist Royal Pagaille.
The Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame won the King George VI Chase last season and returned after the break with a good second in the Charlie Hall Chase behind the race-fit Gentlemansgame, despite an error at the final fence.
"He took a large step forward for that run, he hadn't been for a racecourse gallop or anything and I hadn't drilled him or anything for that particular race because we knew there'd be bigger targets down the road," said Nicholls.
"He has come on for that run enormously, he looks great and he's feeling really good.
"He's high class and should be the favourite really, it's just that we were a bit negative, and we weren't sure we were going to go there.
"Bryan [Drew], who owns him, was quite keen for him to run – that's one reason – and he has come out of that race very, very well.
"He will take a step forward for that race the other day. He's that much older now, we've still got a month to Kempton and it's a valuable race."
It was a surprise to many when Nicholls announced earlier this week that stable jockey Harry Cobden would not be retaining the ride on Bravesmansgame, and instead Daryl Jacob would be getting the leg-up for the first time.
"Harry is going to Ascot to ride Pic D'Orhy, who had such a good season last year, from which I hope he's improved further," Nicholls said.
"The bottom line is that Harry can't be in two places at the same time.
"When there is more than one big meeting on a Saturday, you have to plan, but you also need someone to be first reserve and Daryl has been riding out for us."
Dan Skelton is hopeful that last year's winner Protektorat will produce a big performance against the race-fit Bravemansgame. He followed up success in the Betfair Chase with two unplaced but solid efforts in Grade 1 company, including a fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
"It gives you great confidence when a horse has been there and done it because you can do what you did the year before," said Skelton.
"We know the result we got and if he runs like he did last year, which was visually very impressive, whoever beats him will have a hard race to do so.
"OK, his form after wasn't as sparkling but we can put that to one side at the moment because we are dealing with first time, and we know what he did first time last year.
"Freshness is key with any horse. I know people want to see these horses run more but the truth of the matter is these horses have hard races in big races. It's not the getting ready for the next race, it's getting over the one they've just had.
"Of course, I'd love to run him more, like I would a lot of others, but you can't waste runs when you think they might not be at their best. You also have to consider the idiosyncrasies of British courses.
"You want to run them on ones they will be at their best, unless you get a horse like Kauto Star who can do it on all of them and then it's magical. We'd all love to run them more, but it is hard to get them razor right."
The Lucinda Russell-trained Corach Rambler will be aiming to get back on track on level weights after a disappointing handicap reappearance whilst Venetia Williams' Royal Pagaille could add to his impressive three-from-four record at Haydock Park.
