Barton heads a high-class entry for Saturday`s Bonusprint Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The Tim Easterby-trained hurdler, who extended his unbeaten run over timber to eight in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last time, is one of 11 possibles for the #40,000 contest.
Should the seven-year-old take his chance he is set to meet Hors La Loi III, second to Istabraq in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle in March.
Now in the care of James Fanshawe, the five-year-old will be ridden by Andrew Thornton in the absence of the suspended Dean Gallagher.
Thornton said today: 'I`m looking forward to riding him in a race, I have schooled him at home and I`m very pleased the way things are going.
'He`s a joy to ride, he`s a very nice horse.
'Dean has ridden him in most of his work and said at this stage he is giving a better feel than he did last year so fingers crossed.'
Other notable entries for the race include Mister Morose, winner of last season`s Martell Aintree Hurdle, Hatton`s Grace Hurdle winner Youlneverwalkalone and Tote Gold Trophy hero Geos.
Bonusprint Bula Hurdle entries: Barton, Geos, Hitman, Hors La Loi III, Master Tern, Mister Morose, Mr Percy, Seebald, Serenus, Wahiba Sands and Youlneverwalkalone (11).
