By contrast, connections of Strong Flow have their sights set firmly on the Gold Cup as last year's Hennessy Gold Cup winner prepares to return from injury over hurdles at Warwick on Saturday.
Owner Barry Marshall has backed the eight-year-old at 14-1 and 12-1 on the back of impressive recent homework, and Victor Chandler trimmed him to 8-1 after further support today.
"Strong Flow has been burning up the gallops and we couldn't be more pleased with him," said Marshall.
"We've given him all the time he needs and he hasn't been rushed in any respect."
Meanwhile, the stage is set for round four of the on-going battle between Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop after the two best two-mile chasers in training headed the entries for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Last year's Arkle Chase hero Well Chief is also entered for the 16 March showpiece, and bookmakers are offering 20-1 and bigger about all the other 16 entries.
Elsewhere, Nicky Henderson has reacted to his recent lean spell by revealing that he will shut his Lambourn yard down for 10 days after saddling three runners at Newbury on Wednesday.
The Seven Barrows handler is hoping a break will help revitalise his string ahead of the big spring meetings, but Kieren Fallon is in no need of a tonic after continuing his American sabbatical by partnering Angela's Love to an emphatic success in a $60,000 contest at Gulfstream Park last night.
Fallon, who got off the mark at the Florida track on Friday, is spending the winter riding in the US before returning to Britain in April to try to win back his title from Frankie Dettori.
Latest Totesport Gold Cup betting
(sponsors' odds): 3 Best Mate, 6 Beef Or Salmon, 7 Kicking King, Kingscliff, 9 Strong Flow, 16 bar.
