Oliver Sherwood is likely to run two horses in the final of Sandown's Novices' Handicap Hurdle series this Saturday.
The Upper Lambourn handler has entered the well-regarded Many Clouds and Drum Valley in the Grade Three two-and-a-half-mile contest.
"This has absolutely been the target for some time for Many Clouds and we'll also run Drum Valley," said Sherwood.
"I wouldn't want the ground to dry out too much for either of them - genuine winter good to soft will be fine for them.
"Mick Meagher, Mr Hemmings' racing manager, and I decided some time ago that Many Clouds wouldn't be going to Cheltenham and that he'd have this race as an aim.
"Maybe he's not been very cleverly campaigned as he's ended up nearly top weight.
"He may find a lower-weighted rival that will come and do him but we'll see.
"Drum Valley got bogged down at Warwick last time but he's better than that form.
"He might be the type of horse who could outrun his odds."
