Paul Nicholls believes it will be testament to the character of Aux Ptits Soins should he make it to the Cheltenham Festival.
Absent since landing the Coral Cup on his first start for the Ditcheat handler at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago, the six-year-old is scheduled to have his first outing of this campaign in the World Hurdle on March 17.
Although the John Hales-owned Aux Ptits Soins has been plagued by several problems which have held him up this season, Nicholls remains hopeful he can have him ready in time.
He said: "Aux Ptits Soins had a load of problems in the autumn, but he is back working very, very hard now.
"I am very pleased with what I've seen so far.
"We've got five weeks left to get him spot-on. Seeing him work last week, we wouldn't be far away with him.
"It's been a rush to get him back with all the problems he has had. If he does get there it will be a lot of credit to him.
"We are very happy with him, anyway."
Stablemate and fellow World Hurdle entry Saphir Du Rheu appears to have "turned a corner" since undergoing a breathing operation.
The seven-year-old, who had his chasing career put on hold after finishing fifth in the Hennessy, has not been seen since occupying the same position in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December
He said: "Saphir had a gallop last week and will have another gallop.
"He has come really good and has turned a corner in himself.
"At Christmas, when some of ours weren't running great, he was a little bit disappointing. He has had his palate cauterized since he last ran.
"Definitely his best form was last spring on better ground.
"Hopefully the ground will be better for him and we will see a different horse."