Goulanes may only have one start over fences under his belt, but he can defy his inexperience and claim gold in the RSA Chase on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
David Pipe has certainly taken a brave route in pitching this seven-year-old into what is one of the toughest tests of the novice season, but Goulanes has much to recommend his chance in what appears an open race.
Twice a hurdles winner in 2012, Pipe switched his sights to fences at Wetherby last month, sending him for the Grade Two Towton Chase on his first attempt.
That faith paid off as he kept on at the death to deny the more experience Super Duty by a head, proving not only that he stays further than three miles, but also that he can handle testing ground.
Both factors could be crucial here with soft ground in proposition and the decision of the Pipe team to bypass the race with ante-post favourite Dynaste only heightens confidence in Goulanes.
The feature event of Cheltenham's second afternoon, the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase, is the only race it would be sensible to sit out, unless large bets on short-priced favourites are desirable.
Put simply, Nicky Henderson's Sprinter Sacre is untouchable on all known form and, frighteningly, seems to be getting better, so the only question is which horses will take second and third places.
Nigel Twiston-Davies was forced to withdraw Imperial Commander from the Gold Cup and there are question marks over the health of the stable in general, but if everything is well with The New One, he will take some beating in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.
After wowing during the first part of the season, the five-year-old was surprisingly beaten by At Fishers Cross on Trials Day, but his rider perhaps made use of his devastating kick a little early and he was worn down near the line.
Ridden with more restraint, this exciting prospect should be very much involved.
Buddy Bolero is the choice in the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase for trainer David Pipe.
He has won both his starts to date this term and while he is taking a massive step up in trip to four miles, he has looked a thorough stayer in the past.
The remaining events on the card have a lottery look about them.
There is sure to be money for Fiveforthree, representing Festival specialist Willie Mullins in the Coral Cup, and he could potentially be well weighted for his first start since the 2011 Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
A fragile type, the grey has course form in winning the 2008 Neptune, and while his absence is a little off-putting, he is a high-class horse running in a handicap and commands the utmost respect.
Those lucky enough to be at Prestbury Park will have heard at least half a dozen tips for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper before it is finally under way.
There does not seem to have been an outstanding candidate to have emerged from Ireland, so perhaps the prize can stay on home soil for the third time in four years.
JP McManus snapped up Regal Encore after he made a winning debut for Anthony Honeyball at Southwell, and his judgement looked sound as the gelding went on to bolt up at Chepstow from subsequent winner Be Bop Boru.
Although not seen since October, the vibes about this representative of an up-and-coming stable have been positive.
Equally there will be whispers aplenty about the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and a lively outsider could be South South West.
Able to handle all kinds of ground and battle-hardened for fierce competition through plenty of runs on the Flat, he won at Gowran and has earned his place in the field by running respectably in a couple of the better juvenile contests in Ireland.
He should be better than he showed on his recent return from a break.
CHELTENHAM: 1.30 Buddy Bolero, 2.05 The New One, 2.40 GOULANES (NAP), 3.20 Sprinter Sacre, 4.00 Fiveforthree, 4.40 South South West, 5.15 Regal Encore.
