Bargain-buy Hewick has plenty in his favour as he bids for a fairytale success in the Randox Grand National on Saturday.
The journey of John 'Shark' Hanlon's remarkable E850 purchase is already etched in racing folklore - but there would be unbridled scenes of joy if the pint-sized 10-year-old can register his finest hour at Aintree.
Class often comes to the fore in the modern-day National and Hewick - who began on the road to stardom in the Durham National at Sedgefield in the autumn of 2021 and has also won the American Grand National - has plenty of that.
He has ticked off plenty of big races and even performed with credit in a Cheltenham Gold Cup during his progression through the ranks, the pinnacle of which has so far been Kempton Park on Boxing Day 2023, when he came from the clouds for King George glory.
Gavin Sheehan was the man in the saddle on that occasion and it is perhaps a good omen he takes the reins once again for the Merseyside marathon.
There also appears to be little worry on the stamina front, with Hewick far from stopping when winning at Sedgefield over 5800m and then again over the same trip in Sandown's bet365 Gold Cup in April 2022.
He has been on an upward trajectory ever since and with a confidence-boosting win at Thurles tightening the screws on his Aintree preparation, all looks set for a huge run granted the requisite luck that is still required.
It is interesting Willie Mullins is keen to run Kitzbuhel in Grade One company after two taking performances since his arrival at Closutton and he could take advantage of a less than vintage staying division in the Ivy Liverpool Hurdle.
The five-year-old has already claimed the scalps of some more than useful rivals with the minimum of fuss on home soil and although his stamina has to be taken on trust, there is far from a standout performer among the opposition with question marks surrounding likely favourite Teahupoo on the forecast going.
Nicky Henderson's decision to step Lulamba up in trip could prove the latest genius move by the master of Seven Barrows if his star juvenile successfully takes on his elders in the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle.
It is a race Henderson has won previously with Spirit Son and Simonsig and the Triumph Hurdle runner-up has given the impression he is worthy of mentioning in the same breath as those.
A taking winner on his stable bow at Ascot, Lulamba had beaten off chief rival East India Dock before shock 100-1 scorer Poniros came over the top at the Cheltenham Festival and this strapping chaser of the future could thrive over the extra yardage in receipt of a generous 10lb age allowance.
In the Rosconn Group Maghull Novices' Chase, L'Eau Du Sud can reverse Arkle form with Gavin Cromwell's Only By Night.
It is almost inconceivable that Dan Skelton's charge was only fourth at Prestbury Park given how sweetly he travelled into contention.
But there will be more emphasis on speed this time, with the long home straight giving Harry Skelton plenty of opportunity to stalk before asking his mount to utilise his deadly 3200m speed.
The Skelton team have every chance of claiming the opening William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle for the third straight year, this time with Pertemps Hurdle third Catch Him Derry.
And there could also be more Merseyside success for Happygolucky, who won the William Hill Handicap Chase when trained by Kim Bailey in 2021 and could be booked for a repeat off a 10lb lower figure after a strong showing to finish fourth for Mel Rowley in the Ultima at the Festival. - Press Association
SELECTIONS:
AINTREE: Race 1 - 14.20 Catch Him Derry, Race 2 - 14.55 Lulamba, Race 3 - 15.30 Happygolucky, Race 4 - 16.05 Kitzbuhel, Race 5 - 17.00 1. HEWICK (NAP), 2. Perceval Legallois, 3. Hyland, 4. Minella Indo, Race 6 - 18.00 L'Eau Du Sud, Race 7 - 18.35 El Cairos.
BELLEWSTOWN: Race 1 - 17.20 Chester Nimitz, Race 2 - 17.50 Chriselli, Race 3 - 18.20 Rockbury Lad, Race 4 - 18.55 My Girl Soux, Race 5 - 19.25 Cuban Grey, Race 6 - 19.55 Waystar, Race 7 - 20.25 Mick Collins.
CHEPSTOW: Race 1 - 13.40 Mad Maxios, Race 2 - 14.10 Timetoshine, Race 3 - 14.40 Lucky Lugger, Race 4 - 15.15 The Boola Boss, Race 5 - 15.50 Smugglers Haven, Race 6 - 16.32 Estate Planning, Race 7 - 17.38 Victor Haze.
NEWCASTLE: Race 1 - 13.55 Blame Rose, Race 2 - 14.30 Maximum Offers, Race 3 - 15.05 Time Was, Race 4 - 15.40 Special Rate, Race 5 - 16.25 Baron De Midleton, Race 6 - 17.30 Jac Jumper, Race 7 - 18.05 Coffee Boy.
WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1 - 17.45 Be An Angel, Race 2 - 18.15 Wine Dark Sea, Race 3 - 18.45 Blue Empress, Race 4 - 19.15 Last Shamardal, Race 5 - 19.45 Megaphone, Race 6 - 20.15 City Escape, Race 7 - 20.45 Orchid, Race 8 - 21.15 Alioski.
YARMOUTH: Race 1 - 16.40 Windsor Pass, Race 2 - 17.25 Winter's Song, Race 3 - 17.55 Antrim, Race 4 - 18.30 Beach Point, Race 5 - 19.05 North View, Race 6 - 19.35 Spanish Mane, Race 7 - 20.05 Miakoda.