Paul Nicholls believes Dodging Bullets is fit enough to do himself justice on his long-awaited return to action in Saturday's Betfair Exchange Chase at Newbury.
Last year's Queen Mother Champion Chase hero has not been seen so far this term after an early-season injury led to him missing several big-race targets, but he is now ready to make his comeback in a race better known as the Game Spirit.
The champion trainer expects his stable star to improve for the run, but is nevertheless expecting a bold effort as he bids to show he will not give up his Cheltenham crown without a fight.
"It's not been plain-sailing, we were going to go to Cheltenham (in November), then the Tingle Creek, then the Clarence House, but we schooled him one morning and two days later he was lame," said Nicholls.
"For a week afterwards, we could not work out what was wrong with him. Then he threw an enormous splint so we had to give him a month stood in his box and treat it. He had lots of walking and bits and pieces as we waited for him to come sound again, which he did.
"The last eight weeks we have not had any problems with him. We have done loads of work and schooling and he's had a racecourse gallop as well.
"He looks in great shape and good in his skin, and he is fit enough to run well on Saturday.
"Whatever he does, his race at the weekend will make a big difference. Of course, he will come on for the run - he has to - but I am happy he is in good enough shape to run tidy."
There is little doubt Dodging Bullets will have more on his plate on his return to Prestbury Park next month, with brilliant Arkle winner Un De Sceaux and a resurgent Sprinter Sacre lying in wait, but Nicholls said: "Dodging Bullets should be at the peak of his powers now
"Un De Sceaux will be the one to beat at Cheltenham - we haven't taken him on yet."
Chief market rival to Dodging Bullets on his return to action is Top Gamble, trained by Kerry Lee.
Lee has enjoyed a stellar first season since taking over from her father, Richard, with big race wins for the likes of Mountainous and Russe Blanc.
Top Gamble won the Future Champions Novices' Chase at Ayr last season and while he has been out of luck when tried over further this term, two miles in soft ground is expected to bring out the best in him.
Lee said: "Top Gamble is a course and distance winner and will relish the ground whereas the others might not.
"If ever there's a day we are going to beat Dodging Bullets, this is likely to be it given he's having his first run of the season and has been off for so long.
"Top Gamble is in the form of his life and I'm really looking forward to it."
Nicky Henderson has declared two but L'Ami Serge's first preference is the Kingmaker at Warwick while Captain Conan looked a shadow of the horse who was a Grade One winner as a novice on his return to action over hurdles.
The only other runner, Paul Henderson's Un Beau Roman, looks outclassed on all known form.