Oliver Sherwood's Cheltenham Gold Cup entry Kadou Nonantais is quoted at 13-2 by Coral for his return to action in the Bet Direct Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday.
Successful in five of his seven starts over fences last season, the seven-year-old took a heavy fall on his final outing in the William Hill National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
First reports had indicated that the gelding, who came back lame, had been seriously injured but there was better news in the summer when his trainer revealed that an operation to remove bone chips from his shoulder had been successful.
"Kadou Nonantais goes for the Peter Marsh," Sherwood confirmed. "He has been progressing quite well and will improve for the run.
"There are no immediate plans for him yet. We'll play it by ear and get this race out of the way first."
Recent course and distance winner Bobby Grant and Spendid are 7-2 joint-favourites with Coral for Saturday's three-mile test.
Tresor De Mai, who beat Spendid by a short head in the Tote Silver Cup at Ascot last time, is next on 9-2 with top weight and Pertemps King George VI Chase third Dr Leunt a 5-1 chance. Bet Direct Peter Marsh Chase betting: Coral: 7-2 Bobby Grant, Spendid, 9-2 Tresor De Mai, 5-1 Dr Leunt, 6-1 Tullymurry Toff, 13-2 Kadou Nonantais, 12-1 The Last Fling, 16-1 Step On Eyre, Macgeorge, 20-1 Flying Instructor, Jocks Cross, 25-1 Strong Promise, Unguided Missile, 66-1 Storm Of Gold, 80-1 Jemaro.
