Wise Eagle can build on last month's impressive first triumph over timber by claiming the Horseshoe Cafe Bar Opens Today Novices' Hurdle at Catterick on Tuesday.
Adam Nicol's seven-year-old has always had a touch of class on the Flat, securing 11 victories on the level, as well as landing a Newcastle bumper.
Having contested events such as the Ebor and the Doncaster Cup this term, he predictably found the company far more conducive when romping home by a wide margin at Musselburgh to break his duck as a jumper late on last month.
Wise Eagle may not have had much to beat on that occasion, but it was hard to find fault with the fluent way he negotiated the obstacles and dominated the opposition from the front.
His initial try at hurdling came four years ago, when a 66-1 runner-up at this track, but he will command much more respect on his return to Catterick.
It is hard to ignore the booking of Patrick Mullins for Ithaka in the Aja Membership Includes Insurance Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.
Ryan Potter's charge has been making steady progress this term and stayed on strongly to see off the well-backed Entity Of Substanz and odds-on favourite Getaway With You at Market Rasen recently.
Apples Moon is clearly on an upward curve following wins at Warwick and Sedgefield this season, while a Hereford second in between has been franked by conqueror Smugglers Heaven bolting up at Plumpton next time out.
Nicky Martin's five-year-old is understandably rising up the ratings but may still have enough scope to cope in the Racingtv.com Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
Vaguely Royal can make amends for a short-priced defeat last time out in Wincanton's Trustatrader Apply Today Novices' Hurdle. After finding the well-regarded Celtic Dino far too good on his jumps debut, he scored with a degree of ease next time out at Wincanton and was sent off at odds-on to follow up at Exeter.
The race perhaps did not unfold in his favour that day as he was beaten just under four lengths in second, but Vaguely Royal is worth another chance.
Don't Mind If I Do can hopefully make it third time lucky in the Trustatrader Fully Vetted Tradespeople Maiden Hurdle after twice being runner-up to smart types.
Alan King's four-year-old chased home Regent's Stroll in a 20-runner Newbury bumper in March and was unfortunate to meet another highly rated opponent in Castle Ivers on last month's jumping debut at Warwick.
King Arise looked a touch unlucky first time over fences at Ayr and is fancied to gain compensation in the Trustatrader Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old pecked on landing when challenging at the final obstacle and then could not quite recover in time to reel in Pats Dream, who has since struck again at Market Rasen.
Mondammej can complete a quick Newcastle hat-trick in the Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap after twice coming through strongly to snatch the spoils late on. – Press Association
TAB is betting on 3 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.
CATTERICK: Race 1: 14.30 Ithaka, Race 2: 15.00 Calanthe, Race 3: 15.30 Hawkseye View, Race 4: 16.00 WISE EAGLE (NAP), Race 5: 16.30 Apples Moon, Race 6: 17.00 Flamelco, Race 5: 17.29 Cobbler's Boy.
WINCANTON: Race 1: 14.45 West Orchard, Race 2: 15.15 Garitsa Bay, Race 3: 15.45 Vaguely Royal, Race 4: 16.15 Don't Mind If I Do, Race 5: 16.45 King Arise, Race 6: 17.15 American Land, Race 7: 17.45 Linda Moon.
NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 17.23 Orbital, Race 2: 17.55 Doon The Glen, Race 3: 18.30 Jujubella, Race 4: 19.00 Longhaired General, Race 5: 19.30 Rebecca's Girl, Race 6: 20.00 Mondammej, Race 7: 20.30 Jackson Street, Race 8: 21.00 Bellagio Man, Race 9: 21.30 Royal City.
ALL TO COME: Wise Eagle (Catterick, Race 4) and Don't Mind If I Do (Wincanton, Race 4).
For fields, race betting and more information go to www.tab4Racing.com