Tiutchev was today reported none the worse following his disappointing return to action at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Nicky Henderson`s gelding, winner of last season`s Arkle Challenge Trophy, trailed home last of seven behind Flagship Uberalles in the Doubleprint Tingle Creek Trophy after hitting the open ditch very hard.
'He`s sound as a pound and so are Dusk Duel and Geos, Marlborough as well,' said Henderson.
'Tiutchev made a couple of mistakes and he`ll sharpen up for the race. It`s a long time until Cheltenham in March and I`m not panicking yet.'
Marlborough returned from injury to win at Cheltenham on Friday to earn a quote of 11-2 from William Hill for the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, while Dusk Duel and Geos landed the Doubleprint Novices` Chase and Bonusprint Bula Hurdle respectively on Saturday`s card.
Geos, a 14-1 chance, beat the highly-regarded Barton by six lengths but Henderson was not completely surprised.
He said: 'One always hoped he was a good horse.
'It has always been the plan to go for the Christmas Hurdle and the idea was that yesterday`s race would put him straight for Kempton and he won it well.'
