Simonsig faces just four rivals in the williamhill.com Novices' Chase at Kempton on Thursday as he bids to build on the mighty impression he made on his debut over fences.

The Nicky Henderson-trained grey is already as hot favourite for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival after he swept to victory by 49 lengths at Ascot last week.

Paul Nicholls tries to overturn the hot-pot with the four-year-old Hinterland, who was runner-up to the smart Captain Conan on his chasing bow at Sandown three weeks ago.

"Obviously we're getting a lot of weight of Simonsig and some of the others and he ran well the other day," said the Ditcheat trainer.

Nick Williams saddles Royale's Charter, a two-time winner over fences but a faller at Ascot last month.

Wings Of Smoke, winner of one of his three starts over the bigger obstacles, represents Tim Vaughan.

The Linda Jewell-trained Itoldyou completes the quintet in the two-mile Grade Two contest - registered as the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase - in which Overturn was the most high-profile defection.

Henderson wants to give Simonsig opportunity for more experience and over this shorter distance as part of his build-up to the Cheltenham Festival.

"I wanted to get some practice in and he can do something else later on in January," said the Seven Barrows trainer.

"I'm very keen to get him back over two miles. I've never run him over two miles, but I'm sure it's his trip.

"It looks a good time to try."