Altior heads a small but select field for Saturday's Betfair Tingle Creek at Sandown, with just three runners taking on the unbeaten chaser.
Nicky Henderson's stable star will face Un De Sceaux, Sceau Royal and Saint Calvados on what's his first start since winning at the course in the spring.
There had been doubts as to the form of some of Henderson's big names after Might Bite's tame performance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, but last weekend saw the likes of Santini, Champ and Buveur D'Air dispel those concerns.
Altior is nine from nine as a chaser, three of his runs having been at Sandown where he was an impressive winner of the Racing Post Henry VIII Novices' Chase on this card two years ago.
Willie Mullins, who had Min and Great Field entered at the five-day stage, relies on Un De Sceaux - winner of the race in 2016.
Saint Calvados made return at Naas, beating Arkle winner Footpad, and trainer Harry Whittington is hoping for rain in advance of Saturday's race, while Sceau Royal - who succeeded Altior in the Henry VIII last year - is also looking to make it two from two for the season.
Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: "Only the four runners but it's four of the five best two-mile chasers in training and the race is chock-a-block with quality.
"Altior has been favourite since the entry stage, that won’t change between now and Saturday, but there has been plenty of support for the three remaining protagonists and a strong case can be made for each of them.
"It’s a cracking renewal and looks a great betting heat."
GET THE FULL PICTURE: Don't miss out on FREE video replays and our fantastic My Stable tracker. Log in now and become a Sporting Life Insider.
Related horse racing links
