Phil Kirby already has a Grand National candidate this year in Blaklion - but is hoping next year's race contains Top Ville Ben after he put an unfortunate incident at Cheltenham behind him in fine style at Wetherby.
While the seven-year-old was considered an outsider by most in the RSA Novices' Chase last week, Kirby was confident he would outrun his odds.
Unfortunately, Top Ville Ben never got the chance to prove his trainer right when falling at the sixth fence - but he showed no ill-effects when bolting up back in Yorkshire less than a week later.
Kirby is ahead in the race to be top trainer at the track this season, helped by a notable double on Charlie Hall Chase day from Lady Buttons and Nautical Nitwit, and Top Ville Ben already had a course-and-distance win to his name.
Sent off the even-money favourite for the Racing TV-sponsored event, Sean Quinlan pressed on in the second half of the contest and saw off the attentions of Louis' Vac Pouch before strolling to victory.
With Louis Vac Pouch and Noruki coming down two out, it was left to Sam's Gunner to chase the winner home - some 37 lengths adrift.
"That was really good, and we're back on track again," said Kirby.
"He jumped brilliant - he was just too brave at Cheltenham, unfortunately.
"I wanted to school him straightaway, and I did yesterday, and this race came up - which if we wanted a run before Aintree, as I did, was realistically his only option.
"He's very talented. I thought he had a real each-way chance at Cheltenham. He was good today and will go for the three-mile novice chase at Aintree (Mildmay Novices' Chase).
"He's a Grand National horse of the future. He settles much better now - he doesn't need to lead."
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