Others to consider in this quality line-up are Don't Be Bitin', the Mouse Morristrained Hear The Echo, Sky's The Limit and Wanango.

Glenfinn Captain, from the Tom Taaffe stable, was impressive when making a successful debut over fences at Fairyhouse in October and is tipped to make his mark as a top class two mile chaser.

Owned by JP McManus, the gelding is sure to be sent off a short-priced favourite to collect, but he won't have matters all his own way. Blueberry Boy, the mount of Andrew Lynch, is a tough customer, while the Jimmy Mangan-trained Conna Castle is another one who could take all the beating if on form.

Take a chance instead with the Davy Russell-ridden Don't Be Bitin', who notched up a convincing chase victory at Thurles earlier this month. Trainer Eoin Griffin nominated this race as his next target, suggesting that the gelding doesn't quite see out a longer trip, and he holds more appeal than Glenfinn Captain and Conna Castle.

Griffin has a good chance of initiating a high-profile double with the success of his Leopardstown November Handicap scorer Lounaos in the Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle. The Frenchbred got off the mark over hurdles when beating the subsequent Grade 3 winner Sophist at Navan, and a reproduction of that effort should suffice. Others likely to make their presence felt include Joe Crowley's Rusty Red, who loves soft ground, Celtic Warrior, Financial Reward and the Noel Meadetrained Loup Du Saubouas.

Meanwhile at Down Royal it often pays to follow raiders from the south and one that fits into that category is the Edward O'Grady-trained Lord Snow. Likewise Mister Month, from the Charlie Swan yard, has a good chance of success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

Jockey Conor O'Dwyer is also fancied to be amongst the winners at Limerick, where Portraitist looks capable of obliging in the Gigginstown House Stud colours in the GVM Auctioneers Maiden Hurdle, while Vintage Treasure, who chased home Vic Venturi and Conna Castle in a Grade 3 race at Galway back in October, gets the vote in the Bambury Bookmakers Beginners Chase.