A smooth winner of a maiden hurdle over this distance at Punchestown in November, he possibly found the shorter trip went against him when he finished fourth in the Grade One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse two weeks later. But he will appreciate going back up in trip here. In a quality race, the likes of Vic Venturi and Mister Top Notch cannot be left out of calculations while Toofarback, Thyne Again and Wild Ocean have all solid form at a lower level to their credit but Alexander Taipan should win it.

Trainer Noel Meade enjoyed a fine festive period and his Wild Passion is sure to take a lot of beating in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Novice Chase over two miles and three furlongs. A top novice hurdler last season, he has adapted well to fences and last time finished an excellent second to Missed That in the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day.

This would appear to give him a considerable edge over his rivals. While he should score on Sunday, it may be foolish to take a very short price as he did have a hard race last time and in McGruders Cross he faces a smart performer who could prove very dangerous.

On what could be a big day for the stable, Noel Meade's Snow Tern is likely to start a warm order for the opening Annual Membership at Naas Maiden Hurdle following his easy win in a bumper at Leopardstown 12 days ago. Snow Tern is sure to have been well schooled and can beat likely dangers Forest Leaves, Mickataine and Derrykeel.

The same stable's Restoration looks to have a sound chance in the www. financebusiness. ie Maiden Hurdle later in the day after he finished a fair second to Vox Populi at Leopardstown. But this is a stronger looking contest with the likes of Trefflich and Blessyourpinksox in opposition and perhaps Blessyourpinksox can score for the Peter Casey stable with the soft ground in her favour.

On an excellent card, Ransboro is put forward as the solution to the Property Partners Handicap Chase while Saipan should reward each way support in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle after finishing second in a similar race at Punchestown last weekend.