Conor O'Dwyer's mount had previously won his first two starts over fences at Leopardstown in impressive fashion, and although he steps out of novice company for the first time in this Grade 2 event, he should find the testing underfoot conditions very much to his liking.

The heavy ground will counteract the two-mile trip of this race, but Nickname, who is more effective over a distance of three miles, will be tested all the way by the Noel Meade-trained Sir Oj, and Colnel Rayburn from the Paul Nolan stable.

Sir Oj was a rather fortunate winner of the Robin Cook Memorial Gold Cup at Cheltenham in early December but represents a major threat to Nickname's chances, as does Colnel Rayburn, who is being aimed at the Aintree Grand National, and Jessica Harrington's three-time course winner Green Belt Flyer.

Father Matt, who suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of The Railway Man in the Dr P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown two weeks ago, can gain handsome compensation in the Grade 2 Anglo Irish Bank Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase.

Kill Devil Hill, who finished fourth on that occasion, renews rivalry with Father Matt, while recent course winner Public Reaction is another one likely to make his presence felt.

The Eric McNamaratrained Stoneville puts his unbeaten record on the line in the Grade 2 Bar-One Racing Johnstown Novice Hurdle, and it will be a major surprise if he is beaten. The sixyear-old, who has a point-to-point win and two successes over hurdles to his credit, is held in high regard by his trainer. Vic Venturi, a winner at Limerick over Christmas, and Mardaka, are likely to be the ones to give him the most to do.

McNamara has a good chance of doubling up later in the afternoon through Compo in the W.A. Osborne & Co. Handicap Hurdle. The selection has been ultra-consistent, and is the top-rated horse in the line-up. The Bosses Nephew may be the one for the forecast.

Noel Meade's Freddie Foster was unlucky enough to come up against a muchimproved performer in Studmaster on his latest outing, and will attract some in the Naas Supporters Handicap Hurdle, but Premier Rouge, with Timmy Murphy in the saddle, is preferred.