Connections have pinpointed the upcoming Denman Chase as the chance for Bristol De Mai to prove his Gold Cup credentials.
The six-year-old impressively won at Haydock last time out and is seemingly being prepared to peak in time for March's Festival.
It had been suggested that he could head to Ascot for his final outing before the Festival but he will instead now test his form in one of the Gold Cup's most notable trials.
Racing manager Anthony Bromley admits the camp have held plenty of discussions about Bristol De Mai?s path to potential Festival glory but believes the earlier staging of the Newbury race makes the Denman the best choice.
“There's been lots of talk since Haydock, but Isaac, Simon and myself were all at Nigel's on Thursday and the decision was made to go to the Denman,” Bromley said. “We hope to use that as a springboard into the Gold Cup.
“If we'd gone to Ascot it would have meant going back in trip, which we weren't keen to do, and Newbury also gives us an extra week to freshen him up for the Festival.”
