Unguided Missile was today reported in good shape by trainer Nicky Richards for his seasonal debut at Ascot tomorrow.
The 12-year-old, winner of the Betterware Cup at Ascot in 1995 and the William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase at Cheltenham three years later, shoulders top-weight in the £16,000 Tote Exacta 1-2 Handicap Chase.
Richards said: "He's fine but he could need the race, he usually has done in the past.
"I've got him as good as I can get him. The handicapper has got a hold of the old lad but he's very well in himself."
The gelding currently has joint top-weight of 12st with Random Harvest in the Pertemps Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster a week on Saturday.
However, the Greystoke trainer is keeping his options open about his charge.
"We'll get tomorrow out of the way first," Richards said. "There are plenty of nice handicaps that he could go to so plans are pretty open."
Richards also had news of jockey plans for The Grey Monk who is entered in the Tote Exacta Long Distance Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday.
The trainer had hoped to book Brian Harding to replace the injured Tony Dobbin aboard the gelding.
However, Richards added: "If he runs Lorcan Wyer will be riding him.
"He's never ridden him before but he's a straightforward ride.
"Lorcan's a good jockey, he's got plenty of experience and he knows all about him."
