Alpha Des Obeaux© Photo Healy Racing
Alpha Des Obeaux has been allotted 11st 7lb in the Randox Health Becher Chase on December 9.
Last week's Clonmel Oil Chase winner features among 12 Irish-trained entries for the big Aintree handicap, and could be joined by his Mouse Morris-trained stablemate Rogue Angel (10-2).
The Gordon Elliott-trained pair of Mala Beach (11-2) and Ucello Conti (10-3) are other possibles, while The Last Samuri will have to defy top weight of 11st 12lb if he is to improve on his third place in the Becher last season.
Kim Bailey was encouraged by the 2016 Grand National runner-up's effort when finishing second on his seasonal debut over hurdles at Kempton recently.
"The Last Samuri is in good form and on course for the Becher Chase," said the Gloucestershire handler.
"It was a good run at Kempton and, provided he is in the same sort of form as he is now in two weeks' time, he should have a very good chance.
"We will get the Becher Chase out the way first before deciding where we go for the rest of the season."
The first two home from 12 months ago, Vieux Lion Rouge (11-5) and Highland Lodge (10-5), could again be in opposition, along with the likes of Grand National fourth Blaklion and Scottish National victor Vicente.
