Whitbread Gold Cup gamble Trouble Ahead received a vote of confidence from Kim Bailey today.
Softening ground at Sandown has boosted his trainer's belief that the gelding "has a very good chance" on Saturday.
Trouble Ahead is quoted as short as 4-1 to give Bailey a third Whitbread triumph after sustained backing this week.
His trainer said: "It isn't my money but I do think Trouble Ahead has a very good chance on the soft ground.
"We took him out of the Scottish National as the ground wasn't soft enough and anyway this was always his main aim.
"He has won at Sandown on his last two runs there and I don't think the extra five furlongs will be a problem.
"If you look at his weight of 10st 1lb you can't be surprised he's been so well supported."
Bailey, who has won the Sandown feature with Mr Frisk and Docklands Express in the 1990s, is also set to run Supreme Charm, despite a disagreement over his going requirements.
"I don't think he wants soft ground but the owners think he does," the trainer said.
"We'll probably be discussing it in the parade ring on Saturday!"
