KOPEK DES BORDES massively impressed me in his 13-length chase debut success at Navan. Last season’s G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner jumped boldly and displayed his exceptionally quick cruising speed.

Despite just the one run over fences, I expect the Willie Mullins-trainer runner to go off a short-priced favourite in a novice chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. If winning that easily, I expect him to usurp current Arkle favourite, Lulamba.

The latter is clearly a horse of high class and is 2-2 over fences, but I wasn’t majorly impressed in his jumping at Sandown last time.

I feel that THE BIG WESTERNER is a viable alternative to the current short-priced favourite – Final Demand. My selection is a gutsy mare, who got off the mark on second chase start in a Grade Two.

The daughter of Westerner is a big, bold jumper, who stays extremely well. She is an unexposed type, who is expected to continue improving with racing this season. She has ran once at Cheltenham – finishing second in Grade One company over hurdles at last year’s festival – which bodes well for this target.

I’m hoping she can keep on nicely up the hill to at least reach the placings.

The exceptional mare, LOSSIEMOUTH, has bagged an incredible nine Grade One wins – including two this season. She ought to arrive at Cheltenham in rude health, aiming to achieve a hat-trick of successes in this race.

Many will want to see her in the Champion Hurdle, but for betting purposes, her current price for this mares’ event appeals. Willie Mullins and the owners of Lossiemouth class every win at Prestbury Park as incredibly important, and I’m sure they will want to complete the Mares’ Hurdle hat-trick. If lining up in this race, she will be long odds-on.

SUPREMELY WEST is a rare long-range selection for a handicap race. The Dan Skelton-trained runner qualified for this event with a fine third at this track on reappearance.

He was given a tentative ride at the same venue on his next start, followed by a pair of modest runs over distances too short for him. The Skeltons are adept at having their horses peak for Cheltenham handicaps, and I feel Supremely West will be ready to roll in this handicap finale – especially having dropped a couple of pounds this campaign.