12.00 Leopardstown Maiden Hurdle 2m

Hiaou can gain a first racecourse success here, having caught the eye on his debut at Naas last month.

On that occasion, the Gordon Elliott-trained four-year-old looked a live contender on the run to the second last but faded inside the final furlong. He should appreciate dropping back to the minimum trip now and has crucial race fitness on his side.

Hercule Du Seuil, representing the Willie Mullins/J.P. McManus team has to be considered on his Irish debut. McManus traditionally loves a Christmas winner at this venue, having introduced some star names over the years. Whether this ex-French performer is another, only time will tell.

SELECTION: HIAOU

Next Best: Hercule Du Seuil

12.35 Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle 2m

Sir Gerhard appears to have a relatively straightforward task in what looks an ordinary maiden hurdle. The former Cheltenham bumper winner has tasted success in a point-to-point, so is unlikely to be found wanting in the jumping department.

He should make short work of these rivals before going on to better things.

Meet And Greet, a bumper winner at this track last March, looks the one to benefit should the favourite fail to perform.

Oliver McKiernan’s five-year-old ran well when third in a similar race at Naas last month and won’t need to improve a great deal in order to reach the frame.

SELECTION: SIR GERHARD

Next Best: Meet And Greet

1.10 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

Fil Dor, a leading fancy for the Triumph Hurdle, can make it three from three over flights. He has looked a real galloper in his races to date, grinding his rivals into submission by breaking their hearts.

All ground seems to come alike to the son of Doctor Dino but there has to be a suspicion he is best with an ease. He looks the class animal in this field and should remain unbeaten.

Calvados stayed on strongly when second in a listed fillies’ hurdle at Aintree last time and may benefit from first-time cheekpieces here.

It would be no surprise to see the John McConnell-trained runner lead into the straight but from there she will have a real battle on her hands.

SELECTION: FIL DOR

Next Best: Calvados

1.45 TRI Equestrian Novice Handicap Hurdle 2m

Trebizond could be well treated off a mark of 111 on his first venture into handicap company. Having caught the eye on his racecourse debut at this meeting last year, he initially appeared to disappoint on two maiden starts before winning at Wexford last time.

However, closer inspection shows that he faced very stiff tasks in those races, so has potentially been let in lightly off this rating.

Banbridge was slightly disappointing last time, having racked up a hat-trick in the early months of the season. He is interesting on this first start in handicap company as his stable are in much better form again after a quiet spell. Shane Fitzgerald takes off a valuable 5lbs which adds to his chances.

SELECTION: TREBIZOND

Next Best: Banbridge

2.55 Bet Through The Free Racing Post App Handicap Chase 2m 1f

Golden Jewel has yet to exploit a chase mark some 11lbs below his hurdles rating but could well do so on this return to his favourite venue. The nine-year-old seldom runs a bad race at this track and has been placed in better company here on a couple of occasions.

He needs a big field and fast pace to be at his best, something he looks like getting now. It will be disappointing if he can’t at least be involved at the business end.

Fan De Blues has been competing in stronger races than this of late so should be competitive despite his weight.

Willie Mullins does really well when he runs these better-class horses in handicaps so his chance has to be taken seriously.

SELECTION: GOLDEN JEWEL

Next Best: Fan De Blues

3.30 Leopardstown Flat Race 2m

Facile Vega is sure to attract plenty of attention here, being a son of multiple Grade 1-winning mare Quevega. Whether he has inherited much of his dam’s ability has yet to be determined. but the fact Willie Mullins introduces him at this meeting could be significant.

The dam’s previous offspring made a winning debut at Tramore but connections clearly feel this four-year-old is worthy of his place in the line-up.

Harry Des Ongrais is an interesting contender from the Henry de Bromhead yard. He was an impressive winner on his point-to-point debut at Fairyhouse, beating a subsequent winner easily.

SELECTION: FACILE VEGA

Next Best: Harry Des Ongrais