Kazal is held in high regard by his handler and he franked the form of his third placing behind Arran Concerto and Footy Facts at Navan with an impressive win in a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Limerick's Christmas meeting. Barry Geraghty's mount is blessed with stamina in abundance and jumps for fun, and the French-bred is expected to prove superior to Hollywood Law on this occasion.

Vintage Treasure, from the Charles Byrnes stable, was an equally eye-catching winner of a beginners' chase at Limerick when slamming Mister Top Notch by 10 lengths, and he bids for a follow-up in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase.

Snowy Morning ranks as the danger. A successful graduate of the point-to-point field, he has been a model of consistency and his last four starts have yielded wins in a bumper, maiden hurdle and a beginners' chase at Navan last month. That is a fair tally, but Vintage Treasure looks to be capable of lowering his colours.

Ruby Walsh may also have to settle for a minor placing with Black Harry in the Annual Membership At Naas Maiden Hurdle. The sevenyear-old beat Cheltenham bumper winner Hairy Molly on his only bumper start last season, but has proved disappointing so far in his outings over timber although he is entitled to run well on his third placing behind Arrive Sir Clive last time.

Fond Of A Drop, from the Dessie Hughes yard, is another one to enter calculations after his 16-length victory in a Thurles bumper last month, but slight preference is for Heads Held High.