Trading at general odds of 8-13, the six-year-old has posted ultra-impressive victories at Aintree, in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and most recently when switched back to two miles for the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

“He’s done nothing wrong and his jumping’s got much more assured this year,” Nicholls told At The Races.

“At Sandown the other day at those Railway Fences he was really good. The only mistake he made was when he was tanking going to the second-last.

“He’s learned how to get himself out of those situations. The three races we have put together is the first time he has had that and it has obviously helped him.

“I think he has improved physically and mentally and is as well now as he’s ever been.

“Kempton is a flat track and fairly straightforward. Some people are trying to find an excuse for him (to get beaten). All right, horses can fall at any track, anywhere, any day.

“But I think the flat track, going three miles right-handed, will suit him.”