Act Of Valour earned quotes of 33-1 for the Triumph Hurdle when making a winning debut over timber in the Jigsaw Sports Branding "Introductory" Juvenile Hurdle at Newcastle.
Now with Paul Nicholls, he was a smart horse on the level in Ireland for Michael O'Callaghan, earning a rating of 97 on the Flat, and showed a terrific attitude for a newcomer.
Up against two promising rivals in Look My Way and Embole, the 11-8 chance jumped immaculately throughout for Sean Bowen, winning by two lengths.
Act Of Valour runs in the colours of Max McNeil, who has had good juveniles like Walkon and Grumeti in the past. This is the first horse the owner has had with Nicholls.
"I was more nervous about him running than anything else today, because I think he is really nice," said Nicholls, who was at Newbury.
"He jumped well at home and has done well today. He didn't like the ground, according to Sean, but he looks a really nice juvenile.
"I don't know what we will do now. Today was his first start over hurdles, but he jumped well. We might look at Doncaster for the Grade Two there in a fortnight (Summit Juvenile), but we will talk to Max and see what he says. Nothing is set in stone.
"It's nice to have a first winner for the McNeil family, as they are great supporters of jumping and they have some really nice horses with other trainers, so it is nice to have a winner for them."
Coole Hall (11-4) turned the tables on Senor Lombardy from their last meeting to win the Weatherbys Racing Bank "The French Furze" Novices' Hurdle.
When the pair met at Kelso three weeks ago Keith Dalgleish's Senor Lombardy enjoyed the good ground and a 7lb pull at the weights.
But on a much softer surface and at level weights Rose Dobbin's Coole Hall won by a length and a quarter for Craig Nicol.
"He's a lovely old-fashioned chaser in the making," said assistant trainer Tony Dobbin.
"He ran two lovely races on good ground, but I always thought this was what he wanted.
"I've no idea where he'll go next, but the Haydocks and Carlisles will suit him."
Lake View Lad (5-1) has always promised to be a nice horse for Nick Alexander and his victory over three miles in the novice handicap chase could be a springboard to bigger things.
"I took a chance jumping straight up from two miles to three, but I always felt he'd stay," said Alexander.
"He was a bit free early, which didn't help, but the first two were a long way clear.
"We had him in the Rehearsal Chase, too, but he'd only had three chases and hopefully we'll be back next year for that.
"The race at Haydock, the Tommy Whittle, over two-six, could be next if it's not too soon."
Plus Jamais (15-2) carried on from where he left off last season when landing the Equine Products UK Handicap Chase for Iain Jardine and Ross Chapman.
Winner of his last two outings last season, he held off the favourite Ronn The Conn by a length and three-quarters.
"He loves to run fresh and he stays almost three miles, so we knew he'd get the trip," said Jardine.
"He jumps really well and has now won his last three. It was an excellent ride by Ross, who has a good head on his shoulders."
