Paul Nicholls could do with a new headline horse and might well have one in the shape of No Drama This End, who sets a high standard in the Coral Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury on Monday.
Nicholls has seen some promising horses leave his yard to join training rivals and had the misfortune of Caldwell Potter, a winner at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals in the spring, ruled out of this campaign through injury.
It is no wonder, then, that the 14-times champion trainer harks back to the glory days, and when this imposing grey won at Cheltenham, Nicholls said: "I've waited a long time to have a really classy one since Denman and some of those."
Immediately people drew comparisons, which Nicholls was quick to try to dampen, but Denman did win this race on his way to a place in the nation's hearts. There are some promising horses up against him, but equally there will be long faces at Ditcheat should he lose.
One of the horses Nicholls lost was Act Of Innocence and it is Nicky Henderson who is reaping the benefit of that particular exit.
A winner of one of his three bumpers, he looked a completely different proposition on his hurdling debut here last month.
Henderson has gone for more experience rather than taking up his option in the Grade One Formby on Boxing Day and should be rewarded with victory in the Coral "Daily Rewards Shaker" 'Introductory' Hurdle.
Neil Mulholland's Blue Las faced a very stiff task last time out against the classy Diva Luna but stuck to it well and should find things easier in the Turn The Page and Read 'Chasing Excellence' Beginners' Chase at Doncaster.
The seven-year-old won two of four over hurdles and after unseating on her chasing debut, she got a valuable clear round in last time out.
The Sam Thomas-trained Doctor Blue looked impressive at Ascot when last seen and looks the one to beat in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 British EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.
Also on Town Moor, Faye Bramley's Paggane is improving at a rate of knots and can make it a Listed race hat-trick in the Download The Raceday Ready App Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase.
Tashkhan, placed in Group One races on the level for Brian Ellison, can remain unbeaten over timber in the Slainte Mhath Novices' Hurdle at Kelso, where the extra 400m should play to his stamina.
The four-day Leopardstown meeting comes to a close, with Lossiemouth expected to land the December Hurdle. - Press Association
TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Monday. Here are the tips.
KELSO: Race 1: 13.45 The Four Sixes, Race 2: 14.19 Golden Point, Race 3: 14.54 Tashkhan, Race 4: 15.29 They're Chancers, Race 5: 16.04 Count Adhemar, Race 6: 16.39 Magnolia, Race 7: 17.15 Magic Wave.
DONCASTER: Race 1: 13.50 Blue Las, Race 2: 14.25 Made U Blush, Race 3: 15.00 Doctor Blue, Race 4: 15.35 Fierce Warrior, Race 5: 16.10 Paggane, Race 6: 16.45 Rockola Vogue, Race 7: 17.20 Light Fandango.
NEWBURY: Race 1: 14.05 White Noise, Race 2: 14.40 ACT OF INNOCENCE (NAP), Race 3: 15.15 Rath Gaul Hill, Race 4: 15.50 Only The Bold, Race 5: 16.22 Jurancon, Race 6: 17.00 No Drama This End, Race 8: 17.35 Newton Tornado.
NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 17.10 Prince Quattro, Race 2: 17.45 Viking Glory, Race 3: 18.15 Popty Ping, Race 4: 18.45 Towerlands, Race 5: 19.15 Monsieur Kodi, Race 6: 19.45 Merapi, Race 7: 10.15 Instant Bond, Race 8: 20.45 Little Ted, Race 9: 21.15 Goldmoyne.
ALL TO COME: Act Of Innocence and No Drama This End (Newbury, Races 2 and 6).