Wins at Wincanton and Leicester helped establish him as a smart recruit, but the two runs which make Irish Hussar stand out as a potential Hennessy contender came during the big spring Festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree.
That Cheltenham run came in the Cathcart Chase, where Irish Hussar jumped like a seasoned professional under an attacking ride from Mick Fitzgerald before battling on tenaciously to finish a clear second to the fast-improving La Landiere.
Three weeks later it was on to Aintree for the Grade 2 Mildmay Novices' Chase. Punters preferred the claims of It Takes Time, but Irish Hussar jumped superbly again and galloped on with real enthusiasm when things got tough to forge five lengths clear.
As ever in the Hennessy, no quarter will be asked or given.
What's more, with a posse of front-runners like One Knight, Shardam and Gunther McBride set to force the issue from a long way out, this year's renewal will be no place for dodgy jumpers or suspect stayers.
One Knight's stamina is hard to fault, but he mixed some bold leaps with some very erratic jumping at Cheltenham and is unlikely to enjoy anything like such an easy time of it out in front this time.
Sir Rembrandt has attracted massive ante-post interest over the last week, and the fact that a patient trainer like Robert Alner has opted to throw him into such a demanding contest after just two runs over fences indicates how highly regarded he is.
That said, Sir Rembrandt remains a very inexperienced horse to be trading at such a short price, while Shardam will find this a lot different than when bowling along well clear of a collection of dodgy jumpers and old plodders at Cheltenham two weeks ago.
Strong Flow also lacks experience, but he jumps really well overall and looks sure to give the excellent Ruby Walsh a cracking ride.
The Irish raider Hedgehunter and the unexposed Joss Naylor can also have a say in the finish, but Irish Hussar has to be the main bet at 11-2 or thereabouts.
With winners of the Scottish and Welsh Grand
Nationals close up in his pedigree he seems most unlikely to fail for lack of stamina on his first venture over three and a quarter miles. His accurate jumping is another major plus and, with the Henderson team sending out winners like clockwork at present, Irish Hussar can finally give his handler the Hennessy success which has eluded him for far too long.
