Many Clouds is set to defend his crown in the BetBright Trial Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday after delighting trainer Oliver Sherwood in a Tuesday morning workout.

Last year’s Grand National hero disappointed on his seasonal reappearance in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, but bounced back to form when chasing home the Willie Mullins-trained Don Poli at Aintree in December.

He will face another leading Gold Cup contender from the Mullins yard in the form of last year’s runner-up Djakadam, but Sherwood is happy to let Many Clouds take his chance.

The Upper Lambourn handler said: “He worked super (on Tuesday morning).

“I haven’t spoken to Mick (Meagher, owner Trevor Hemmings’ racing manager) yet.

“It looks a hot race, but he’s ready to rock and roll.

“It’s more than likely he will run, I would think, but I’ve just to confirm it with Mick.

“I couldn’t be happier with the horse.”

Wiltshire trainer Neil Mulholland is leaning towards the National Hunt Chase over four miles as the Cheltenham Festival target for his promising staying novice Southfield Royale.

The six-year-old, who has the RSA Chase as an alternative option, is already a two-time winner over fences and was second to Tea For Two in the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

“It looks like he will be better left-handed. He’s an exciting horse and my intention would be to go for the four-miler at Cheltenham,” said Mulhollan, who is based at Conkwell Grange stables near Bradford on Avon.

“Being by Presenting you would think he’d be better on better ground, but he still won his novice chase at Wetherby by 20 lengths on very soft ground and won a Grade Two on heavy ground at Doncaster.

“Hopefully better ground will bring out further improvement, plus going left-handed as well.”