Flagship Uberalles is firmly on course for Saturday's Victor Chandler Handicap Chase at Ascot after coming through a workout this morning.
The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding will face a maximum of 11 rivals when he bids to emulate stable-companion Call Equiname's victory in the race 12 months ago.
Flagship Uberalles has top-weight of 11st 10lb in the £50,000 two-mile event, having gained his seventh win from eight starts over fences in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last month.
"He definitely runs as long as the ground is not bottomless," Nicholls said.
"He worked well this morning and seems fine in himself and his American owners are flying over from Arizona to watch him so the obvious intention is to go to Ascot."
Possible opponents include the Sandown runner-up Direct Route (11-9) and Castleford Chase winner Nordance Prince (9-13), between whom jockey Norman Williamson has yet to decide.
"He faces a tough task in the handicap as giving that much weight away to an improving horse like Nordance Prince will not be easy but he's the type that you've got to keep on top of and he needs a run and Saturday's race fits in fine," Nicholls added.
"Joe Tizzard will take the ride."
Nicholls could be double-handed in the contest as Green Green Desert has also been confirmed at the five-day stage.
The trainer said: "He's a possible for the race but I want to see what jockeys are going to be available on that day."
Confirmations: Flagship Uberalles, Direct Route, Get Real, Celibate, Potentate, Cumbrian Challenge, Green Green Desert, Nordance Prince, Manhattan Castle, Nipper Reed, Chief's Song, Aghawadda Gold.
