Unioniste still in the Lexus picture

A tilt at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 is “looking likely” for Unioniste.

The Paul Nicholls-trained grey outstayed Wishfull Thinking to win a decent race at Aintree last time out, having finished third on his seasonal debut in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

Still only five, last year’s December Gold Cup winner is one of four Ditcheat entries in the Christmas feature, but Silviniaco Conti is heading for the King George at Kempton, last year’s winner Tidal Bay may run in the Welsh National and Rocky Creek is unlikey to be ready in time after meeting with a setback after the Hennessy.