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Paul Nicholls believes Le Prezien 'must have a chance' of giving him a third BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The 2m4f handicap is the feature race of the November Festival at Cheltenham, and the master of Ditcheat have had success with Al Ferof (2012) and Caid Du Berlais (2014).
Le Prezien makes his return to the Cotswold following his neck defeat at Cheltenham last month.
The seven-year-old has been raised 6lb for his second place finish behind Foxtail Hill, but the Grade Two winner on this card a year ago could be in for another repeat success.
“Le Prezien ran very well and was only beaten a neck at Cheltenham last time," said Nicholls.
"He obviously gets further than two miles and that will have sharpened up his jumping. Two miles and five probably suits him better than two miles.
“He is rated 150, which is quite high, and went up 6lb for finishing second the other day. That isn’t going to help too much, but he is a young, game horse who gets a trip and he must have a chance.
“Le Prezien jumped soundly the other day, whereas at the backend of last season he didn’t jump particularly well and that will cost you around Cheltenham.
He is expected to go off a 12-1 chance for the contest. Nicholls other runner Romain De Senam is hoping for a third straight victory for the season.
The five-year-old won impressively at Chepstow, before winning narrowly under a penalty at Stratford last time out. He has gone up 6lb for the win.
“Romain De Senam caught me by surprise a bit when he won at Chepstow," said the ten-time champion trainer.
"That race may have fell apart as they did go quick, and then he won again six days later at Stratford. I had to run him quickly under the penalty as he was going up 12lb.
“He needs a real fast run race, which he will hopefully get at Cheltenham on Saturday, and he is in good shape. He is an improving five-year-old."
Former Grade Two winning novice chaser Clan Des Obeaux completes the trio of runners for Nicholls.
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