But the owner conceded it was a "dilemma" as to which race the enigmatic Our Vic will contest at the big meeting.

"If they both got there on the day I'd be loath to run the two against each other, " he said.

"But there's only one Gold Cup and this year a lot of good horses have had mishaps and of course Best Mate, sadly, is no longer with us.

"There is never an easy Gold Cup but the race is wide open this year. If you look at those in the betting there are holes in every horse, including my own, so I do think it's a race that's there to be won."

Celestial Gold will be making his seasonal reappearance having not raced since finishing seventh in last year's renewal of jumping's blue riband.

"Celestial Gold will have to find a few pounds to be in with a real shout but he does act on the course, which is a big help, " Johnson said. "I'm sure he'll get the trip and if he gets there on the day I'd think he'll have a solid each-way shout.

He goes there fresh and is extremely well."

Stamina is the main concern over Our Vic, who also has the option of the Ryanair Chase over two miles and five furlongs.

"If Martin thinks Our Vic will get the trip then you've got to listen to him, " Johnson went on. It is a dilemma [which race Our Vic runs in] but our priority is to have a runner in the Gold Cup. If they both get there then we'll make our minds up closer to the day."

Johnson has high hopes for Don't Be Shy in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy on the opening day.

"I thought he won very nicely at Lingfield and jumped extremely well for a novice, " he said. "I think he will come on for that and he will go to the Arkle with a big each-way chance.

"Having said that, I think the race is as competitive as it has been for some time and it will take some winning - it has been a lucky race for me though.

"We haven't discussed Timmy's [Murphy] views on Henrietta's horse [Racing Demon] but I'm sure we will closer to the day."

Johnson's famous silks will also be carried by Commercial Flyer in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase on the second day, where he expects the seven-year-old to run a "huge race".

A prolific winner over hurdles, the gelding won with any amount in hand on his first start over fences at Taunton last month.

"It was an exciting debut.

We expected him to jump like that because he's been flying at home. The SunAlliance is obviously the plan with him now. He doesn't lack for experience and he goes there fit and well." he explained. "I expect him to run a huge race . . . I think he's got a really big chance."