The Hennessy Gold Cup is a potential target for Third Intention after Colin Tizzard's seasoned chaser claimed a long overdue big-race success in the 188Bet Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase.
While undoubtedly a fine servant for connections over the years, the nine-year-old has found success hard to come by, with the last of his three previous chase triumphs coming in February of last year.
A total of 16 placed efforts from 28 starts over fences prior to his latest assignment at Aintree is both admirable and frustrating, but he enjoyed his day in the sun on Merseyside under a terrific ride from Aidan Coleman.
Making his first appearance since April, the 5-1 shot looked a little ring-rusty early on, but gradually warmed to his task.
He was still towards the rear of the seven-strong field turning for home, but mowed down Vibrato Valtat on the run to the final fence and a bold leap sealed his victory.
Triple Grade One winner God's Own was doing his best work at the finish and came through to beat Vibrato Valtat to the runner-up spot, beaten a length and three-quarters.
Tizzard said: "I think he's the only juvenile hurdle winner I've ever had. He's been a lovely horse for us and I'm delighted for him he's gone and won a lovely race like the Old Roan.
"We've not been sure about what trip he wants and he's been cross-country racing and also run over the Grand National fences.
"He has had his wind done over the summer and that might just have helped him. People have been a bit cruel about him in the past, but he hit the front today and never looked like stopping.
"He'll definitely get an entry in the Hennessy on Tuesday. Flat, left-handed tracks suit him and that might be his next race."
Tizzard also confirmed he hopes to take the wraps off Thistlecrack for his eagerly-awaited debut over fences at Chepstow on Tuesday.
He added: "He's ready to run, hopefully the ground will be fine and we'll see what happens."
Robin Roe is set for an immediate step up to the highest level following a hugely impressive display in the the Mobile Casino At 188Bet Maiden Hurdle.
Successful in the Irish point-to-point sphere before making a successful debut for Dan Skelton in a Warwick bumper back in March, the five-year-old was 5-2 for his hurdling bow.
Harry Skelton cut a confident figure in the saddle as Robin Roe cruised into contention in the home straight and after out-jumping even-money favourite No Comment at the final flight, he found another gear to score by 12 lengths.
The winning trainer said: "We're obviously very happy with him. I hoped he'd win, but I can't say I expected him to win like that. He's a very talented horse and the plan now is to go straight to the Challow. We're lucky to have him."
Harry Fry and Noel Fehily combined to land the 188Bet Handicap Chase with 9-1 chance Shuil Royale.
The 11-year-old was being pressed by teenage Irish raider Your Busy at the final fence, but stayed on all the way to the line to claim the veterans' prize by five lengths.
There was a major upset in the Premier League Betting At 188Bet Handicap Hurdle as Your Busy's trainer James Nash struck gold with 25-1 shot Massini's Trap.
Skelton-trained favourite Born Survivor travelled well into the straight, but Paul Townend was also sitting pretty and with the remaining hurdles dolled off due to low sun, Massini's Trap showed the better turn of foot to prevail by five lengths.
Nash said: "He has been a bit disappointing of late, but having said that, I would have been disappointed if he wasn't placed today.
"A couple of runs back at Southwell he looked the winner the whole way and was cantering, but he just didn't stay the three miles. Coming back to two and a half today on a bit of nice ground suited him and just by pure luck, the hurdles were taken out in the straight.
"That suited our horse as he's a few Flat races won. I'd say that might have been the difference between winning and losing."
The Alan King-trained Kerrow overcame trouble in running to justify 4-1 favouritism in the Download The App At 188Bet Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle under Will Featherstone.
Minella Celebration (6-1) was all heart in winning the Molson Coors Interactive Chase for trainer Katy Price, while the concluding mares' bumper went to 33-1 shot Miss Night Owl.