Grand National winner Auroras Encore is set to make his seasonal debut in the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby.

The 11-year-old, a 66-1 shock winner of the world's greatest steeplechase at Aintree in April, was fourth behind Cape Tribulation in the Boxing Day feature a year ago.

Trainer Sue Smith reports Auroras Encore to be on course to return to action in what is the highlight of Wetherby's two-day Yorkshire Winter Festival.

"All being well, Auroras Encore will start off in the Rowland Meyrick," Smith said.

"We had hoped to have him out earlier, but the ground went against us so we just left him be.

"He is in very good form at the moment though, but it will be his first run of the season and it's difficult to know what to expect."