Junior will attempt to drag the stamina out of the opposition when he aims to justify a late entry for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Owners Middleham Park Racing stumped up £10,000 to add the David Pipe-trained nine-year-old to the field at the confirmation stage and believe they can a get run for their money.
Junior, a rare winner at both the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot, showed his well-being when winning the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on his first run since he fell at the second fence in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in April.
"I don't think it's a classic King George - no Kauto Star, no Denman - and I fancy our chances," said Nick Bradley, spokesman for owners Middleham Park Racing.
"There is no obvious front-runner in the race, other than ourselves. He'll get a tap in the belly and away we go. Newcastle was a confidence-building run. He wasn't quite 100% fully tuned up.
"I've seen the race a few times and I don't think Conor (O'Farrell) really went for him. I think there's plenty left in the tank. David (Pipe) says he has never had him as good as he is now.
"The plan was to go for the Rowland Meyrick (at Wetherby) and try to build-up for his confidence for the end of the season. Then myself and Tim (Palin, Middleham racing manager) were looking at the King George and we couldn't think of any three-mile horses in there.
"When you are told the ground is going to be heavy or soft, personally I would have doubts about a few of them staying. That was in the back of our minds as well. Junior stays all day and if we go a good pace we might get one or two at it early doors."
13 May 2013
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12 May 2013
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11 May 2013
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10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
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Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests