Paul Nicholls has seen two of his greatest stars follow on from the Denman Chase to Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup glory and Silviniaco Conti starts on his way to becoming the third at Newbury.
One of those to manage the celebrated double was the very horse whose name now adorns this Grade Two prize, and Denman is set to make his first public appearance since his retirement when he parades before the race.
The other, of course, was Kauto Star, and Silviniaco Conti has now assumed his position as top staying chaser in the champion trainer's yard after his victories in the Charlie Hall Chase and Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Put away since then, the likely hot favourite faces seven varied rivals over three miles.
Speaking in his Betfair blog, Nicholls said: "He is the odds-on favourite, but be aware that I have left a lot to work on. I am keen to get a run into him before Cheltenham to fine-tune him.
"I purposely gave him Christmas off to have a fresh horse at this stage. So fitness-wise, he is probably in a similar place to where he was before he won the Charlie Hall, namely that he is fit enough to do himself justice but he will improve enormously for the run.
"So while defeat here would be disappointing, it wouldn't be disastrous. Remember, Kauto Star only scrambled home in this race by a neck from L'Ami before winning at Cheltenham in 2007, and Denman unseated his rider at odds of 1-6 before going on to finish second in the 2010 Gold Cup.
"This is a stepping stone to the big one, don't forget that. And I see that Timeform don't have him that much clear of many of this field, even after his Betfair Chase defeat of the subsequent King George winner.
"But he is in great shape generally - in fact, I said to Lorraine Morris, who rides him out daily, that he looks stunning at the moment, physically the best I have seen him - and of course I hope and expect him to win, especially in Long Run's absence. I wouldn't swap him for any horse in the Gold Cup line-up."
Tom George unveils an unknown quantity in the ex-French Mail De Bievre, who has his first start since September 2011. He said: "I'm not saying he's fit enough to win with his head in his chest, but I do think he's fit enough to run a proper race. Paddy (Brennan) has done a lot of schooling and it has gone well."
13 May 2013
Fabre confirms Ocovango for EpsomAspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout
12 May 2013
No hurry for Jammy plansGuest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning
11 May 2013
Felix foot-perfect on fencing debutCavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory
10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests