Connections have confirmed Tiger Roll could run at Cheltenham before the end of the year after he finished sixth at Navan on Thursday.
The 10-year-old made his first appearance of the jumps season, 225 days after he finished second at the Glenfarclas Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Gordon Elliott's charge ran on the flat as his first warm-up run, finishing sixth as Ilmig won for Jessica Harrington.
Tiger Roll missed the break as expected but ran on well in the closing stages and connections were pleased after he showed signs of encouragement over the trip of a mile and three-quarters.
Speaking about his future, Gigginstown racing manager Eddie O'Leary said: “He missed the break, which was understandable as he hasn't been in stalls for a long time.
“He doesn't do a tap on his own. Sam was very good on him, he passed a few, and he blew his head off afterwards, so it was great – he needed it (run).
“All going well it will either be one of the cross-country chases at Cheltenham in November or December or the Boyne Hurdle.
“He probably has to go over to Cheltenham, but his rating is a mockery (168) given he got beat off a horse rated 152 (Easysland, at Cheltenham in March).”
