Unioniste© Photo Healy Racing
Unioniste is set to run at Newbury on Saturday week rather than the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock on February 14.
As well as Haydock, where he has been given a big weight of 11st 11lb, the seven-year-old grey holds an entry in the Hennessy at Leopardstown, but owner John Hales and trainer Paul Nicholls are keen to head to Newbury for the Denman Chase.
Hales said: "We are probably going to Newbury."
Unioniste, a 10-length winner of a valuable handicap chase at Sandown on January 3, sits prominently in the ante-post betting for the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree in April.
But Hales, who won the great race with Neptune Collonges in 2012, stressed his participation would be dependent upon a favourable weight.
"The key to Unioniste (in the National) is the weight he's given," said the owner.
"The problem is that he's a seven-year-old, and seven-year-olds don't normally win a Grand National, so it may be too soon for him.
"We'll see what weight he's got and then see if he's got a good, sporting chance of running well."
Confirming plans regarding Haydock, Nicholls tweeted: "Unioniste won't run. Will run in Denman chase at Newbury. Benvolio runs."
Heading the weights on Merseyside is Mouse Morris' First Lieutenant on 11st 12lb, with the Kim Bailey-trained Harry Topper on 11st 10lb.
Recent course winner Samstown (10st 10lb), Monbeg Dude (10st 10lb), Wyck Hill (10st 7lb), Lie Forrit (10st 5lb) and Welsh National winner Emperor's Choice (10st 5lb) are notable possibles.
