Connections of Carruthers have warned the six-year-old is likely to improve for the run as he makes his first start of the campaign in the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton tomorrow.

Mark Bradstock's charge won twice in four starts over fences during his novice campaign and was last seen finishing fourth in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The trainer's wife Sarah, who is also the daughter of owner Lord Oaksey, does not believe the burden of top-weight will prove as big a problem as the lack of race fitness.

"He's in good nick and ready to have a go, but he'll be better for the run," she said.

"He's a stronger and hopefully better horse this year and he'll go on improving as he was just a shell of a horse last season. Going with that though, he probably will just need the run more than he has in other years.

"Although he's not a particularly big, robust horse, I don't think he'll have any problem carrying weight. It is arguably an easier option to carry weight in a slightly worse race, so we'll see.

"The plan at the moment is to go for the Hennessy but he'd have to come out of this really well as it comes up a bit quick."

Niche Market returns to action for the first time since springing a 33-1 surprise in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in April.

Trainer Bob Buckler said: "He's in grand form. He is a little more forward than he has been the previous couple of years, but it's a competitive little race.

"He did very well during the summer and we think he might be a bit stronger this year. He is aiming for the Hennessy afterwards. He might need to go up a couple of pounds to get in there."