Dan Skelton's UNEXPECTED PARTY (12.45. nap) appeals over fences at Leicester in the Pertemps Network Novices' Chase on Wednesday.
The grey has been set a couple of tough tasks since graduating from hurdles to larger obstacles, meeting Paul Nicholls' McFabulous when second on debut at Exeter and then coming home third behind Jonbon in the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown in early December.
This is an easier assignment, however, and back up to a trip of two and a half miles - a distance he was particularly effective over when hurdling - he looks poised to land the first victory of his chasing career.
FLOORING PORTER (1.45, nb) can also return to winning ways in the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle, a Grade One event run over three miles.
Gavin Cromwell's dual Stayers' Hurdle winner was second in this race last year behind the quick-starting Klassical Dream, who is surprisingly not in opposition this time.
Though only fourth in the Lismullen Hurdle when starting his season at Navan in November, the seven-year-old was returning from a 218-day break and should be sharper and fitter for that run.
Wednesday's tips
LEICESTER
12.10 MOUNT TEMPEST
12.35 UNEXPECTED PARTY (NAP)
1.20 MARAJMAN
1.55 OBEY THE RULES
2.35 PLAYFUL SAINT
3.10 DAME DU SOIR
3.40 SIR JACK WEST
CATTERICK
11.53 TRAC
12.28 DON HOLLOW
1.03 HAAS BOY
1.38 EVENT OF SIVOLA
2.13 GETAWAY JEWEL
2.48 BENTS HOLLOW
3.25 BILLAMS LEGACY
NEWCASTLE
3.20 DREAM HARDER
3.55 BROCTUNE RED
4.25 IRISH FLAME
4.55 MUMCAT
5.25 CLIPSHAM LA HABANA
5.55 BEDAZZLING
6.25 AFTER JOHN
LEOPARDSTOWN
12.00 DEEP CAVE
12.35 CONNA COTTAGE
1.10 ERIC BLOODAXE
1.45 FLOORING PORTER (NB)
2.20 CONFLATED
2.55 I AM MAXIMUS
3.30 ILE ATLANTIQUE
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