Nigel Twiston-Davies is resigned to the fact that
Bristol De Mai may have to run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock first time out.
The Naunton handler is keen to get a run into his grey, who won the Peter Marsh at the track last season, but quick ground may prevent him doing so.
He was declared to run at Stratford recently only to be pulled out on the day of the race while the ground at Aintree for Sunday's Old Roan Chase was deemed too fast.
His only other option is the Charlie Hall at Wetherby on Saturday.
Twiston-Davies said: "He just needs some rain. He was all ready to go this weekend.
"Will it rain next week, probably not. He is entered everywhere though and is ready to go.
"If we have to go straight to the Betfair Chase that's what we will have to do."