Captain Miller emphasised the strength of Nicky Henderson's hand for the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle as he trotted up at Huntingdon today.
But the Cheltenham Festival may not even be on the agenda for the four-year-old despite his 18-length victory in the Chatteris Fen Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.
Martin Pipe's L'Epicurien tried to make all, but going down the back straight for the final time Captain Miller (4-1) was clearly going the best.
Eventually sent on after the third last Captain Miller moved easily clear and Mick Fitzgerald was able to ease down considerably close home with the race safely won.
Time N Tide edged out Lady Coldunell for the runner-up spot as L'Epicurien, the odds-on favourite, faded most disappointingly to finish well back in fourth.
Captain Miller is among a six-strong Henderson entry for the Triumph Hurdle and the stable's other representatives include the unbeaten ante-post favourite Mister Banjo and Regal Exit.
But Captain Miller's owner Henry Ponsonby said: "He loves bottomless ground and it could be that Cheltenham is not the right race for him.
"We wouldn't mind running but it will be up to Nicky in the end and it might be that he looks elsewhere.
"But Nicky has done a great job with this horse, they just went a bit too fast when he was beaten at Lingfield and he cut himself. He's been given a break since and that's freshened him up nicely."
Mighty Moss is Cheltenham-bound for the Christie's Foxhunters Chase after justifying odds of 11-10 in the 'Mascot Grand National' Novices' Hunters' Chase.
The former smart staying hurdler was not troubled to make a winning debut over fences, defeating My Shout by three and a half lengths.
His task, however, had been made slightly easier when main threat Alston Antics fell with fatal consequences at the second last.
"The Foxhunters is the target, but first he must qualify by finishing first or second in another hunters' chase," said trainer Alan King.
"He did a tendon at the beginning of last year and came back to me five weeks ago. He works like a serious horse at home and is not at all flattered by his form."
Philip Hide ended a losing run stretching back 45 rides when Grass Island secured the 'Have Your Wedding Reception Here' Novices' Handicap Chase.
His mount forced his way to the front at the last and the post came just in time for him to hold the late dash of Andy's Birthday by half a length with the same distance back to Fami in third.
Grass Island had been beaten five lengths by Fami when the pair met at Fontwell last time.
But winning trainer Tommy McGovern said: "The more galloping track here suited my horse better. Philip always thought he was going to win once he struck the front.
"I'm pleased for the horse. He's had so much leg trouble over the years and if it hadn't been for the injuries I'm sure he would have been a National horse."
Denham Hill got his jumping act together to register his second victory of the season in the 'Hugo The Huntingdon Hound' Handicap Chase.
"He's jumped well today but that was probably not a good race with one or two of them out of form," said trainer Charlie Mann.
"This was a good day for the horse. He was second to Escartefigue on his first race over fences but he's been disappointing.
"He has not turned out to be as good as we thought and we're still trying to find the key to him."
After several decent efforts Red Hot Indian broke his duck over hurdles with a ready success in the Tote Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle.
Jockey Norman Williamson said of Venetia Williams' charge: "Apart from one little mistake he jumped pretty well and he should make a nice novice chaser."
Williamson was on the mark again as Maybeseven stayed on too well for the rest in the Conference Venue Handicap Hurdle.
Warren Marston was stood down for the day after being shaken when Christchurch fell in the second race, but he is expected to resume tomorrow.
