Rockforce can take the Newton Abbot Handicap Chase today and provide a classic example as to why Paul Nicholls has quickly become established as one of the leading names among the training profession.
High-profile successes with horses such as See More Business and Lake Kariba have helped his Shepton Mallet stable to flourish. But Nicholls is equally adept at arranging a low-key campaign for his charges.
Rockforce was quite useful on the Flat for Mick Channon but was not sent over hurdles until this term. He ran fairly well on all three of his outings, before being switched to fences where he has won two poor contests at Folkestone and Ludlow.
Obviously, Rockforce has plenty of ability - he has an entry for this year's Arkle Chase - but because of the nature of the chases he has so far contested, he has been handed a handicap mark of just 106 by the assessor, putting races such as this well within his compass.
Nicholls pursued a similar policy with Mr Strong Gale last year, who won five races at minor tracks off similar marks, but has not stopped progressing since and now rates a live contender for the valuable Racing Post Chase next month.
Only time will tell if Rockforce can make the same kind of progression but this prize is within his capabilities.
Jack Tanner has joined the swelling ranks at Venetia Williams' Herefordshire base and should make light work of his opposition in the Sapphire & Diamond Novices' Chase.
A useful novice, injury has seen him stay off the course for over two years, but he could yet prove to be a decent performer in this sort of company.
His hurdling form for David Nicholson - the highlight of which came when beating Make A Stand in a novices' event at Uttoxeter in November 1996 - certainly suggests Jack Tanner has more than his share of class.
Diamond Flame seemed to run quite well in a really competitive contest at Wolverhampton last month and as that was his first run for a while, he ought to strip fitter for the "Showcase Handicap", the William Hill Stakes, back at the same course.
