Aegean Dawn could still make the Cheltenham Festival despite a setback during the week that forced him out of the Paddy Power Imperial Cup at Sandown.
The giant six-year-old, unbeaten in two starts over hurdles having won both his bumpers, holds an entry in the Coral Cup on Wednesday.
Owner Paul Murphy said: “I hasten to say anything but he is better than he was last week, and he schooled this morning.
“They think they have found the problem and there is a possibility he could run, but it is all up to the boss (Nicky Henderson).”