The case for Facile Vega (151) winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle remains steadfast according to the betting with his supporters hoping for a repeat of his standout performance at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Stable companion Il Etait Temps (155) was a four-length runner-up at the festive fixture before exacting revenge at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Marine Nationale (151+), who has not been seen since winning the Royal Bond, has run to a similar level on the clock and looks the more straightforward of the three market leaders.

Selection: Marine Nationale.

Dysart Dynamo (155) holds the key to the Arkle Novices as a repeat of his early Leopardstown speed will take most of the field out of their comfort zone before they reach the halfway mark.

Stable companion El Fabiolo (166) thrived on the gallop at Leopardstown and has rated higher than Jonbon (155+), who narrowly beat him over hurdles at Aintree last season, over fences.

Selection: El Fabiolo.

The final Grade 1 of the opening day, the Mares’ Hurdle will see the Honeysuckle (149) swansong and the likelihood of another clash with Epatante (149).

However, preference would be for Marie’s Rock (147+) who covered the ground from the fourth last hurdle quicker than Honeysuckle on the opening day of the Festival last year.

In her absence, Echoes In Rain (149) would be a worthy substitute as she was caught in the backwash of Indefatigable falling in last season’s renewal.

Selection: Marie’s Rock, if absent, Echoes In Rain each-way

Gerri Colombe (155) will head to the Brown Advisory untested over three miles, although he has also yet to taste defeat over shorter.

Gordon Elliott’s gelding produced his best performance at Sandown when he clocked a faster circuit time than winning two-mile chaser Third Time Lucki.

The Real Whacker (158) gave an exhibition round of jumping to win the Grade 2 Dipper Novices’ Chase.

Patrick Neville’s gelding clocked an overall race time 4.3secs quicker than Midnight River over the same distance, with any suspicion he was slowing at the finish dispelled by his closing sectional from the fourth last fence being 2.2secs quicker.

The pair hold a distinct advantage on the clock over Thyme Hill (143) who was unimpressive on the clock at Kempton over Christmas and is without regular rider Tom O’Brien.

Selection: The Real Whacker.