Open Eagle© Photo Healy Racing
Open Eagle aims to confirm his place among Willie Mullins' formidable Cheltenham Festival squad in the opening race at Warwick on Saturday.
A high-profile purchase for the Supreme Horse Racing Club after bolting up in the 2014 November Handicap for David O'Meara, the son of Montjeu has a progressive profile since going jumping.
After making a successful start to the campaign at Fairyhouse in November, the seven-year-old chased home the high-class Altior at Kempton before finding only stable companion Thomas Hobson too strong in a Grade Two at Warwick last month.
He must concede weight to each of his three opponents on his return to Britain, including runaway course bumper winner Mystical Knight, but connections are expecting a bold show.
Steve Massey, racing manager for the owners, said: " He's in really good order and we're looking forward to going back to Warwick as he clearly liked the track last time. He's got to give 6lb to Mystical Knight, who looks a smart horse, so it's not going to be easy.
"We know he stays the trip now and it's great Paul Townend is coming over to ride him. We're very hopeful and we'll know a lot more about where we're going afterwards, that's for sure."
Open Eagle holds entries in the Supreme, the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett at Prestbury Park next month, but also has the option of going down the handicap route.
Mystical Knight won two point-to-points in Ireland before his 21-length bumper debut at this track on New Year's Eve. The JP McManus-owned gelding will be ridden by Mark Walsh and is one of two runners for trainer Rebecca Curtis, who also saddles Kilcullen Flem.
She said: "I'd be hopeful of a good run (from Mystical Knight). He was very impressive in his bumper there, he won two point-to-points and jumps brilliantly at home.
"The other horse got a slight injury on his last run at Worcester (in September). It was nothing serious, he just banged his leg. The heavy ground will suit him and it's more a case of just getting him out again. He's more a horse for three miles over fences next season, but he should run well." Petite Parisienne bids to provide Mullins with a third successive victory in the OLBG.com Mares' Hurdle later in the afternoon. The now-retired Glens Melody used this Listed prize a stepping stone to Cheltenham in both 2014 and 2015, but Petite Parisienne has plenty to prove having finished well beaten at Sandown last month.
Jennies Jewel also makes the journey from Ireland. Jarlath Fahey's pride and joy was last seen chasing home top-class Mullins-trained mare Vroum Vroum Mag at Ascot and seemingly has less on her plate this weekend.
"She seems to have travelled over well again and she's in good form. It wouldn't look as strong a race as last time, but you still have to go and win them. The ground will be no bother to her, so we're hoping for the best," said Fahey.
