Nicholls could also have leading chances in Warwick's McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Handicap Chase in which his novice Ibis Du Rheu ought to relish the stamina test over three miles and five furlongs.
However, his jumping became sketchy behind The Worlds End at Cheltenham last time and it looks as if STEP BACK has been targeted at a second big-chase win having romped home in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April.
Mark Bradstock's progressive gelding went up a stone in the ratings for his wide-margin success that day but the form has been well boosted this season by Rock The Kasbah (second) and Present Man (third) while Relentless Dreamer and Caroles Destrier (fourth and fifth) have also won decent chases.
The likely good ground at Warwick should suit Step Back, who raced without the cheekpieces he wore at Sandown when reappearing at Cheltenham in October. The headgear is back on here and the swashbuckling David Bass rides.
Also at Warwick, FIRST ASSIGNMENT can continue his good form this season in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle.
Tom Scudamore's mount was clearly well-handicapped when scoring twice at Cheltenham earlier in the season, after which his trainer was obliged to turn him out quickly at Haydock just a week after the second success.
That race may have come just too soon, though First Assignment's battling third behind Paisley Park and Shades Of Midnight, both winners since, was still a good effort.
A 7lb rise looks reasonable given how far the first three were clear of the others that day and, with the likely good ground in his favour, First Assignment can get back on the winning trail.
Posted at 1500 GMT on 11/01/19.