Quito De La Roque (noseband) is a course winner at Aintree© Photo Healy Racing
Colm Murphy is hoping Quito De La Roque can book his place in the Lexus Chase with a good run in the Betfred Treble Odds On Lucky 15's Chase at Aintree on Saturday.
The County Wexford trainer is eyeing a crack at the Grade One at Leopardstown on December 28 but wants to get another run into the eight-year-old before then.
"He seems well in himself so hopefully all goes well," said Murphy.
"This race fits in nicely before Christmas so we thought we'd give it a go.
"All being well, the plan is to go for the Lexus after this."
Only four horses remained from a 13-strong entry after the final declaration stage.
That pleased Donald McCain, who saddles Across The Bay, winner of both of his starts in good style this season.
"I don't think the Mildmay course is quite as bad, but he will certainly like the ground and the small field," said the Cholmondeley trainer.
"It's going to be a step up for him but he deserves his chance."
Hilary Parrott's Wayward Prince, second to Silviniaco Conti in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, and Calgary Bay from Mick Channon's stable complete the quartet.
