While this good staying chaser would be an obvious choice for honours, given his pleasing seasonal reappearance at Naas, it has to be said that top-weights have a poor record in the race. Consequently, it makes more sense to look further down the handicap for the winner and Edward O'Grady's recent Limerick scorer Ride The Storm is certainly one who has the weights in his favour.

Shay Barry's mount was left clear to collect at Limerick when Rockspring Hero ran out at the final fence.

Rockspring Hero has been raised 3lb for that effort, and he is sure to turn in another good performance. Camptect is another horse to consider.

The lightly-weighted 10-yearold turns out here in preference to his stable-companion Pearly Jack, and is sure to put up a bold show off his handy mark, but Ride The Storm is a tentative choice to oblige.

Robert Tyner's dual bumper winner Footy Facts was a comfortable scorer at Cork last time, and should not be opposed in the Bank Of Ireland 'Monksfield' Novice Hurdle.

There will be plenty of interest, also, in Eoin Griffin's Leopardstown November Handicap winner Lounaos in the opening Newgrange Hotel 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle, but Island Life, from the Noel Meade yard, is preferred.

Stable-companion Aran Concerto, who was badly hampered at the penultimate flight at Naas last time, is held in high regard by his handler and is a confident choice for the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, while The Dotted Line holds most appeal in the bumper.