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The New One has a first start over fences in the Harry Dutfield Memorial Novices' Chase at Exeter on Friday.

With a light frost expected, the track must pass an 8am precautionary inspection but no problems are anticipated if the forecast is correct.

The New One has been one of the top hurdlers in Britain and Ireland for a number of years and is going chasing rather late in life.

Nigel Twiston-Davies' nine-year-old will also be without his regular jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, with his boss Paul Nicholls claiming him to ride Frodon.

Instead, the Naunton handler will rely upon Ryan Hatch.

"It's a big day for him," Twiston-Davies said of The New One.

"We've been waiting a while for this and I just hope the meeting is on, first of all.

"Everything has gone well with his schooling and we have to get him started."

Adding further quality is Fergal O'Brien's Barney Dwan.

He looked sure to score on his chasing debut at Kempton when he made a bad blunder at the last, which gave subsequent winner Potters Legend the chance to take first place.

O'Brien said: "It was a good run, but it was obviously disappointing what happened at Kempton.

"You've got to take the rough with the smooth in this game.

"What he did show was a good aptitude for jumping fences, it was just a shame what happened.

"There are a few good ones in there but we're looking forward to it.

"We'll learn a lot and he's schooled well since. We'll build him up in trip after this.

"We've had him in everywhere this week and though this looks tough, I felt the trip and track were the best options."

Philip Hobbs' Rock The Kasbah and the Harry Fry-trained Sir Ivan are also part of a classy six-runner field.