Long Run will have a schooling session with jumping guru Yogi Breisner next week in preparation for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old also had his first workout since his victory at Newbury two weeks ago on Tuesday morning.
"He came out of Newbury well and did his first bit of work this morning," said the Seven Barrows handler.
"He'll have one session with Yogi Breisner next week and won't see a fence between now and then.
"He'll wear earplugs in the parade (at Cheltenham) and they will come out at the start."
Henderson admits Kauto Star will be a formidable opponent at Cheltenham.
"I don't think there's any doubt this is a different horse to the one we were playing with last year," Henderson said of Kauto Star.
"I think he was going through a patch last year and people were baying for his retirement. I wish Paul had listened!
"He has even avoided going through the final fence now - he has put the whole thing together.
"At Kempton we were only beaten a couple of lengths and (Long Run) had really winged the last we might have got it down.
"Ruby (Walsh) has really put the turbo on early with Kauto this year and (Cheltenham) is a different track to do it on.
"In the Gold Cup they tend to wind up the pace and if he's going to go on, he's got another two and a half furlongs up the hill to go."
Favourite
Henderson added: "We were two-love up and now it's two-all and it's going to be a very interesting battle.
"I've a nasty feeling public opinion will go with the old favourite and I'll be a very unpopular if we beat him.
"Last year was a great Gold Cup. It's all to play for and I don't think there's much between them."
One weapon Henderson has up his sleeve is the use of earplugs, which the French-bred has traditionally worn during races.
"He will have them for the parade, as we want to block that out, but they will come off in the race," he said.
second string
Seven Barrows suddenly boasts another Gold Cup contender in Burton Port, who closed to just half a length behind Long Run at Newbury when in receipt of 10lb.
However, it was his first start for a year and a quarter and Henderson is wary of the 'bounce factor' - when horses run well on their return from a lay-off but fail to back it up the next time.
"We got the impression he had improved at home and we weren't surprised how he ran," the trainer said.
"He got 10lb at Newbury and he's got to improve more than that, but I think there is improvement.
"We've just got to pray there's no dreaded 'bounce'.
"No-one has been able to explain it, but it does happen and you have to be wary about it. But he does look fantastic."
Punters should also hold their bets for the John Smith's Grand National on Burton Port, even if it is owner Trevor Hemmings' favourite race.
Henderson continued: "Trevor has very much said, 'This is a good horse - let's win the Gold Cup, rather than leave him for Aintree."'
