Success on the big stage has whet Ben Case’s appetite for more high-profile triumphs this season.

Deep Trouble gave the trainer’s Edgcote stables, near Banbury, a landmark first overseas winner when storming to victory in the Setanta Sports Handicap Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in May.

That came after Tempest River had landed the Mares’ National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree’s Grand National meeting in 2011.

Speaking as he paraded 33 of his 40-strong string in front of a crowd of around 180 at his annual owners’ open day at Wardington Gate Farm, Case said: “We have had two winners at three of the big festivals – Punchestown and Aintree – now there is just Cheltenham to go.”

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Deep Trouble also gained a dramatic Listed Race win last season in Sandown’s December Handicap Hurdle, despite jinking violently right at the last flight and almost unseating Leighton Aspell.

The strapping seven-year-old will again be at the forefront of Case’s big-race planning as he tackle fences this term, with a Grade 2 novices’ chase at Newbury’s Hennessy Gold Cup meeting at the end of next month pencilled in for his return.

Daryl Jacob is set to resume his partnership with Deep Trouble this season after missing his big wins.

And he commented: “He is going to be a cracking chaser and is definitely one who is going to hit the big headlines this year.”

Deep Trouble contributed to Case’s best return in this country with 13 winners last season, which included his first double at Towcester, and saw him break the £100,000 prize-money barrier for the first time.

With six winners on the board already this term, he said: “We are ahead of where we were last year, and we are looking forward to building on this throughout the season.

“We are very fortunate to have some really exciting horses to look forward to.”

They include Midnight Jazz, a dual bumper winner last term, who will now go hurdling.

Case also has high hopes for Ballagh, who was bought at the Cheltenham Festival sale having won a bumper in Ireland. “We think he is a bit special,” added the trainer of his new recruit who will tackle novice hurdles.

Brass Tax, who was going well in the lead when falling at Punchestown in May, is set for a spring campaign, while Themanfrom Minella, Croco Bay, Vinegar Hill, Crookstown and Orangeaday are others expected to pay their way this term.

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