Guitar Pete is firmly on course to defend his crown in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Chetenham on December 15.
The eight-year-old, a dual Grade One winner over hurdles, gained his biggest success over fences when beating Clan Des Obeaux by two-and-three-quarter lengths in last year's renewal.
Nicky Richards' charge finished runner-up on his seasonal return in a Listed handicap chase at Wetherby and ran an excellent race when third behind Baron Alco and Frodon in the BetVictor Gold Cup on his only subsequent start.
He will now attempt to emulate the sole previous dual winner of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, Poquelin, who scored in 2009 and 2010.
The trainer said: "Guitar Pete has come out of Cheltenham in great form. He ran a fine race in the BetVictor Gold Cup and I just think the ground was probably slightly too quick for him. Hopefully, that race has set him up nicely for the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup.
"With the rain we've had recently, more cut in the ground would suit him as he enjoys soft ground. He is a horse who acts around Cheltenham and he is good enough to compete in these races. He won this race last year and it would be great if he could run well again."
