Carlingford Lough is set for a crucial workout at the weekend ahead of a possible crack at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The John Kiely-trained eight-year-old, winner of the Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown in April, has been sidelined with a setback recently, but could return for the big race on 28 December.
One of the leading novice chasers in Ireland last season, he also won the Topaz Novice Chase from Morning Assembly, but was only sixth in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
"He'll work at the weekend and we'll see how he is. If he's OK he'll go there," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner J P McManus.
"He had a bit of a mishap before Down Royal but it looks like he's back on track again."
