Old-stager Relkeel is set to take his chance at Sandown on Saturday - given suitable ground conditions.
Trainer Alan King will run the 11-year-old in the Agfa Hurdle provided there is cut in the ground.
Relkeel is among eight entries in a race that is likely to cut up. Nicky Henderson has already indicated that exciting novice Dusk Duel may sidestep the contest and go instead to Wetherby.
"I want to run Relkeel on Saturday but he needs soft ground. The size of the field and the opposition are immaterial," said King.
Relkeel, a winner of Cheltenham's Bonusprint Bula Hurdle on his return to action this season, was firmly put in his place by Dato Star in the Red Square Energising Champion Trial Hurdle at Haydock last month.
But King said: "He's come out of the Haydock race really well and it makes sense to give it a go if we can.
"He will be aimed at the Champion Hurdle but at the moment you have to say that Istabraq looks invincible."
The state of the ground will also determine whether Toto Toscato takes part in the Weatherbys Scilly Isles Novices' Chase.
The 11 entries for the Grade One contest include promising young chasers Arctic Camper, Norski Lad and Tiutchev.
"It does have the makings of a hot race but Toto Toscato will run unless the ground comes up soft," said King.
