Duke Cass© Photo Healy Racing
The 2017 Navan Membership Rated Novice Hurdle makes for an interesting start to proceedings at Proudstown Park on Saturday, with three last-time-out winners locking horns.
Duke Cass is on a roll, now bidding to complete a four-timer in this two-miler, and he'll doubtless be a popular choice for County Dublin trainer Karl Thornton.
Donagh Meyler knows the Duke Of Marmalade gelding well at this stage, and he's aboard again.
Duke Cass now has an official rating of 123, and that puts him 3Ib ahead of Leopardstown Christmas Festival victor Thirsty Work. Indeed the latter has an identical assessment as Kalopsia. Both of those represent JP McManus.
Last month's Limerick scorer Cadeau Du Bresil goes into battle for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy, and others to enter the equation on their best form are Jack The Wire and Herminator.
Of the less exposed variety, one to catch the eye is Amaulino. As a four-year-old, this son of Saint Des Saints is favoured by a healthy weight concession from the majority of his rivals.
Owner Sean O'Neill saw his former decent servant Shantou Flyer triumph for new connections at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. However, he should have plenty to look forward to with his French import.
Twice on the mark in his home country, the now Colin Bowe-trained Amaulino made an encouraging start in Ireland when fifth at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day.
He could well have done even better bar a mistake at the third but, as it was, a 24-length beating by Bapaume in Grade Two company was a commendable effort. Mikey Fogarty renews his association with the promising youngster, though he may have to put up a couple of pounds overweight.
Apart from the Race Displays Event Signage Hurdle, arguably the chief event of interest elsewhere is the Flower Hill Beginners Chase, with Arbre De Vie, Acapella Bourgeois, Burgas and Moonshine Lad the standout names.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Burke returns from injury with three mounts on the card.
