Paul Nicholls believes Tidal Bay could be a lively contender among his entries for the Gold Cup on April 28.
The champion trainer has won the final big prize of the jumps season once before, with Ad Hoc in 2003, and wonders whether the Esher marathon could spark life into the quirky 11-year-old.
A new horse for Nicholls this year when sent from Howard Johnson by owner Graham Wylie, Tidal Bay stayed on in typically belated fashion behind Midnight Chase in the Argento Chase but was then last behind Long Run in the Aon Chase.
"I've got a few entries in the race but Tidal Bay could be an interesting one," Nicholls said.
"Three miles and five might suit. He goes well fresh, he might get a bit outpaced but it's often a race you can run well in when you come from off the pace.
"Hoo La Baloo has been retired after running at Ascot, Harry The Viking might go for the Scottish National and I don't think What A Friend will run."
"Aldertune is another who might run, as he goes well at Sandown."
Before Sandown is the small matter of the Grand National meeting and both the trainer's Cheltenham Festival winners, Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby and the mercurial Big Buck's, are in contention for a start in Liverpool.
"It's still a long way off but I've got 25-30 possibles for the meeting," Nicholls said.
"We need to sit down and think about it at the end of the week. We're looking at Big Buck's running, and Rock On Ruby and Zarkandar will run in the Aintree Hurdle."
