All eyes will be on Caldwell Potter at Carlisle on Sunday when he makes his debut over fences in the Myles Turns 30 Novices' Chase.
The imposing six-year-old showed plenty of promise over hurdles for Gordon Elliott, hacking up by 7 lengths in a 25-runner Navan maiden before scoring in Grade One company at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.
Those performances and a clear scope for even more improvement tempted a syndicate involving Sir Alex Ferguson to put up E740,000 to acquire him at auction in February, after which he was switched to Paul Nicholls.
The 14-time champion trainer has taken a patient approach, but reports of his recent exploits on the Ditcheat schooling grounds suggest he is now ready to start justifying that huge price tag.
John McConnell is always a trainer to note when travelling across the Irish Sea and he had a first and a second at the Cumbrian track's last meeting.
He returns for the British EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle with Lieutenant Mayne, who claimed bumper victories at Musselburgh and Uttoxeter last term and has already romped home by 16 lengths at Naas on his jumping bow.
Daragh Bourke's Busty Boy could be worth an each-way punt in the racingtv.com Handicap Chase.
He was a bit frustrating to follow last season, finishing second four times from his final five starts and being a beaten favourite in fourth on the other occasion.
However, he had initially gone well fresh when scoring first up at Kelso and connections may again mean business on this seasonal reappearance.
East Street can kick things off at Leicester by completing a quick double in the Belvoir Equine Veterinary & Dental Services Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase.
James Owen's eight-year-old was 11 lengths clear at the line at Wetherby on Wednesday despite being eased down and a 7-point penalty should not be enough to stop him following up if fully recovered.
Indeevar Bleu disappointed on his sole start last season but is worth sticking with on an earlier impressive bumper win and gets the nod in the 1st Airborne Division Novices' Hurdle.
The Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse features an intriguing match between defending champion Teahupoo and fellow Cheltenham Festival victor Lossiemouth.
Over 4000m, slight preference is for the Willie Mullins-trained mare, who receives a valuable 7lb allowance and may be able to stalk Teahupoo before quickening up better late on.
Gordon Elliott can add to his record tally of seven wins in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase via Firefox, who beat Ballyburn at this venue over hurdles 12 months ago.
He had to settle for place money over timber at the major Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown festivals but took well to jumping fences with a comfortable Down Royal success and can now get the Grade One victory he deserves in this sphere.
Elliott has another exciting prospect in Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle hotpot Romeo Coolio, a £420,000 purchase who was second in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and cruised to an effortless 18-length win first time out over obstacles. - Press Association
SELECTIONS:
CARLISLE: Race 1 - 14.20 Zwicky, Race 2 - 14.55 Caldwell Potter, Race 3 - 15.25 LIEUTENANT MAYNE (NAP), Race 4 - 15.55 Busty Boy, Race 5 - 16.30 Jackpot d'Athou, Race 6 - 17.00 Clovis Boy, Race 7 - 17.30 Maximum Offers.
FAIRYHOUSE: Race 1 - 14.00 La Malmason, Race 2 - 14.30 Willy De Houelle, Race 3 - 15.05 Where It All Began, Race 4 - 15.35 Romeo Coolio, Race 5 - 16.05 Firefox, Race 6 - 16.40 Lossiemouth, Race 7 - 17.10 Media Naranja, Race 8 - 17.40 Unknown Entity.
LEICESTER: Race 1 - 14.10 East Street, Race 2 - 14.40 Morning Air, Race 3 - 15.15 Gazette Bourgeoise, Race 4 - 15.45 Hara Kiri, Race 5 - 16.15 Indeevar Bleu, Race 6 - 16.50 Lunar Ocean, Race 7 - 17.20 Near Dark.