Buveur D'Air will put his Cheltenham Festival credentials on the line in the Bathwick Tyres Novices' Hurdle at Exeter on Sunday.
Big things were expected of Nicky Henderson's charge as a half-brother to former Seven Barrows star Punchestowns, who was runner-up to the legendary Big Buck's in the 2009 World Hurdle.
He showed clear signs of upholding family honour in bumpers, winning twice in France before two fine efforts behind Barters Hill at Newbury and Aintree once moving to Lambourn.
Buveur D'Air returned to Newbury for his jumping bow in November when hammering Wait For Me by 11 lengths, form that has been franked by two subsequent victories for Philip Hobbs' well-backed runner-up.
Bookmakers were suitably impressed by that stylish display and a facile Huntingdon success at prohibitive odds just over a fortnight ago to make him 8-1 third favourite for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
"He's in good form," said Henderson.
"Obviously everything is geared towards hopefully getting him ready for Cheltenham but it will be great to get some more experience into him and see exactly where we are.
"It looks like the going won't be very nice down there, but this is his best opportunity for another run and everything else is spot-on."
Fellow French import Politologue could prove a fly in the ointment following two encouraging efforts since joining Paul Nicholls.
A soft-ground scorer in a 17-runner Auteuil contest last June, he caught the eye when coming with a smooth run to challenge in a strong-looking Cheltenham event on his British bow until ducking right and losing his rider approaching the final flight.
Although eventually forced into submission by Barters Hill's relentless gallop in the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury next time, Politologue again moved sweetly for most of that race and represents an intriguing rival in this Listed contest.
"He ran really well last time out and was unfortunate to meet a potential star in Barters Hill, but there's always a chance you'll come up against a good one in races like that," said jockey Sam Twiston-Davies.
"However, we were very pleased with him that day as he travelled well and jumped nicely.
"He also seems to have come on again in his work at home, so it will be good to give him another test."