Trainer Neil Mulholland feels the handicapper has relented enough to make Midnight Chase a major player again.
The 11-year-old is without a win since landing last season's Argento Chase at Cheltenham, where he beat Tidal Bay.
He has since struggled in Graded races and will be dropped back into handicap company at the Cheltenham Festival before tackling the John Smith's Grand National.
"The ground has been a nightmare - not just for him, but for a lot of the horses," said Mulholland.
"He means an awful lot to me and we just hope that the ground does dry out over the next few months. He feels very well and is as good as ever - he just needs the ground.
"He'll more than likely go for the JLT Specialty Chase on the Tuesday at Cheltenham and then he'll head for the National.
"He loves Cheltenham and he's back down to a decent mark.
"Last year he won the Argento but the Gold Cup finished him for the season and didn't have the spark about him, but this year he's had a lighter campaign as we've had the Grand National in mind.
"Obviously he's not getting any younger, but his handicap mark is good enough to enable him to run well over his next couple of runs," the Wiltshire handler told At The Races.
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