Chantry House is the sponsor’s 5-1 second favourite for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase after making a winning return to action at Sandown Park.
The Nicky Henderson seven-year-old, successful in novice chases at Cheltenham and Aintree last spring, went off at 2-7 to beat sole rival The Big Breakaway for the John O’Leary Memorial Future Stars Intermediate Chase.
And Nico de Boinville’s mount came home a 37-length winner to set himself up for Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
“That is what we are thinking about,” said Henderson. “I’m glad it is over – you know what these things are like. He has beaten all the novices, but now he has to beat all the big boys.
"These races are made to give these youngsters a chance to break through. He hasn't broken through any barriers there, but the other horse was a good fellow and he has done everything we wanted him to today.
"He is not a flashy horse, so he would give you the impression he isn't doing a lot at home. What he has done now is prove that he stays three miles.”
Henderson also confirmed Champ remains on course to make his return in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 20.
"I'm going to try get a gallop into Champ this week, somewhere away from home, but it is hard work without the grass. We are thinking of the Betfair Chase with him," he added.
Minella Trump (6-5 favourite) completed a six-timer in the Guildford Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.
The Donald McCain-trained seven-year-old had the race won approaching the final obstacle and kept on to beat Mahler's Promise by two and a quarter lengths.
McCain said: "It's great. I can't say when we set off I thought we'd win a novice handicap chase at Sandown. He probably jumped and travelled as well as he has all year, so I'm delighted.
"We'll get him home and see how he is. He has been busy. My daughter rides him out every day and he'll show us when he's ready. We'll just regroup, see what the handicapper and go from there."
