Bookies are wary of a possible gamble on Irish runner Carrarea at Lingfield on Friday afternoon.
Paul Townend will partner the five-year-old, who is vying for favouritism with Metier in the two-mile Sovereign Handicap Hurdle, for trainer Emmet Mullins.
Carrarea has gone close twice in hurdle events this season and was beaten just a head at Fairyhouse in November on his handicap debut.