Nicky Henderson has warned Shishkin is not banker material for his early awaited rematch with Energumene.
The Seven Barrows handler fully respects Willie Mullins' raider, as they go head-to-head in the Champion Chase.
Shishkin was a length ahead of his key rival at Ascot, but the trainer is taking nothing for granted in round two.
Henderson has had some of the best two-mile chasers in the history of the sport, including Sprinter Sacre and Altior.
Mullins is yet to win the two-mile championship feature on the Wednesday of the big week.
"In their era Sprinter and Altior probably were bankers, but we've definitely got a fight on our hands," Henderson said.
"You'd like to think the hill will play to (Shishkin's) strengths.
"Willie says he doesn't know how he'll beat us, but I think he's playing games there.
"I think he's looking forward to having another crack and I don't think he's that frightened."
Here are four Cheltenham Festival talking points...
1. Constitution Hill and Jonbon "chalk and cheese"
Both horses have unbeaten hurdling records in the run-up to the flagship fixture – and Henderson struggles to split them.
Bookmakers favour Constitution Hill, the impressive 12 length Tolworth winner, over his more experienced stablemate.
The first-named is ante-post favourite for the Festival opener on March 15, where several talented rivals lie in wait.
Jonbon is as big as 5-1 in the betting, after he failed to convince all racing fans with last month's workmanlike Haydock performance.
On ability, the trainer does not have a preferred candidate for the Supreme job – and he will not be finding out before the big day.
"They're absolute chalk and cheese, Constitution Hill would lie down for you and that's the way he behaves through life. The other one is completely the opposite, he's quite a hyper horse.
"But (they're) all in good form. They both worked on Saturday, they will not work with each other, that's too obvious."
Henderson expects Constitution Hill to take the Festival buzz in his stride, whereas it is a bit of a question mark for the exuberant Jonbon.
"He will be the one on his toes," Henderson added about the latter.
"We won't let the atmosphere get at him because we will protect him."
2. Shishkin no banker for round two with Energumene
Their first clash firmly lived up to expectations, with just a length separating them in the Clarence House at Ascot.
Shishkin was on the back foot for much of the race, as Energumene pressed on up front.
The Irish raider held sway until after the final fence, when he felt the full force of storm Shishkin.
Henderson's chasing ace swept by with his trademark late burst – and the market suggests the Champion Chase is a forgone conclusion.
The trainer does not see it that way however, with Chacun Pou Soi, from the same camp as Energumene, also in the mix.
“There’s no way he can be a banker,” he said.
“That was a fantastic race at Ascot and everybody loved it, bar Willie (Mullins) and myself as one of us knew sadly that we were going to go down.
"Obviously it was great we came out in front and it looked as if he had us in trouble but he’s a tough horse, ours.
“When you throw Chacun Pour Soi in as well – I know people can say he doesn’t travel over well but he could still be a real player.
"There was only a length between them at Ascot so anything could happen.
"This will be two months later and going the other way around which possibly helps us, but there’s not much in it – a length is not a lot.”
3. Positive vibes for Epatante
On ratings the eight-year-old is 6lb below her 2020 Champion Hurdle-winning best.
She has 12lb to find with Honeysuckle on her Leopardstown effort, the mare who stole her crown 12 months ago.
Given her unbeaten record, it would be a shock if she did not retain it.
Yet Henderson is cautiously optimistic about his former Cheltenham queen's chance in the opening day feature.
"At Kempton she was great, she really did look like her old self," he said.
"Hurdling like she always used to and to be honest with you, she tanked him (Nico de Boinville, jockey) into the race, we don't normally go on that early but she was all for getting home and back in bed. She was off."
On de Boinville's advice that she is "pure speed", the daughter of No Risk At All will be not going any further than the minimum trip.
That has ruled out any consideration of switching to the mares' hurdle.
Asked about the former champion going into her target "slightly under the radar," with all the talk about Honeysuckle, Henderson paused.
He then added: "She's not under our radar because we are getting very good vibes from her."
4. Early stages key to Chantry House's Gold Cup chance
Henderson's two Gold Cups take pride of place in Henderson's home.
Long Run (2011) and Bobs Worth (2013) both started favourite for the feature race of the big week.
But bookmakers and the majority of punters do not expect Chantry House to add his name to the roll of honour.
The JP McManus-owned chaser is as big as 20-1 to win the open renewal, which lacks an outstanding candidate.
A Plus Tard, Galvin and last year's winner Minella Indo are the only horses below 6-1 in the market.
In first-time cheekpieces, Chantry House held the challenge of Santini on Trials Day at the track.
Henderson was adamant the rather lacklustre display was his first real race for some time.
He expects to find out early on whether he will figure in the Gold Cup, with the cheekpieces retained to keep his focus.
"The first half-mile will test his experience and ability to cope with a lot more runners that are going to be around him," Henderson said.
"It's not like novice chases when they're all the same and looking after each other sort of thing. It's going to be cut and thrust."
He added: "It has opened up a lot (the Gold Cup) hasn't it? Nothing bounced out to me, of course good horses have won good trials.
"But nothing has absolutely jumped off the front page and stamped his authority on the race, so it's up for grabs."
