Paul Webber is hoping Time For Rupert can prove he deserves a crack at the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup when he runs in Saturday's Argento Chase at Prestbury Park.
The eight-year-old recorded his first victory in a year when he landed the Betfair Graduation Chase at Newbury in December, a win that came on the back of his fifth place in the Betfair Chase, and he has pleased connections with his work since.
He has been entered in the Gold Cup and Webber believes he has a genuine chance of finishing in the places on March 16 but he wants him to prove his credentials with a big run in the Argento Chase.
"We couldn't have been more pleased with his six weeks since Newbury and I think he's in tremendous form," Webber said.
"The ground should be fine and the track is fine, so we're going to find out exactly where we are.
"I think we're all hoping to prove that we can finish third or fourth in the Gold Cup by winning tomorrow. Let's hope the dream is still alive on Saturday night.
"I hope there are no hard-luck stories as this is a very nice race to win in it's own right."