The Dorset handler said: “Kingscliff is aiming for the Charlie Hall. He has run in the race a couple of times before and we are very happy with him.”

Alner was delighted with Kingscliff’s most recent effort when he finished second in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup and hopes that performance signalled his ability remains intact.

“We were very pleased with his last run at Punchestown so we are hoping for another performance like that. He is well and has done plenty of work,” he added.

“Obviously it is going to be a very hot race with the likes of Denman running but Kingscliff will run his race.

“Last year the going was pretty soft in the Charlie Hall and he was giving weight to most of them and this year he is receiving some, so we will see.

“There is no reason why he should not run up to his form.”

As well as Denman, both State Of Play and Aces Four could join the party in what is shaping up to be an exciting contest.

Michael Hourigan could also be represented at the North Yorkshire track with Mossbank, recent winner of the Ladbrokes.com National at Limerick.

Hourigan said: “I was very pleased with his win at Limerick but the handicapper was very severe for two and a half lengths and the Wetherby race is a Grade Two, so I am considering it.

“He came out of the race well and he goes on most ground so that is not a worry.”

While the Charlie Hall unquestionably takes centre stage on next month’s Wetherby card, the £40,000 John Smith’s Hurdle is also sure to attract a decent field, with Howard Johnson’s No Refuge under consideration.

Although the seven-year-old, winner of the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle in 2005, is winless since November of that year, he finished a creditable fourth in the Wetherby race last year.

Johnson said: “No Refuge is coming to himself so at this stage he is a possible for the John Smith’s Hurdle.

“He summered well and is in grand form.”