On Saturday, the opening contest of the Dublin Racing Festival features a plethora of exciting novice hurdlers, including the Paul Nolan-trained SANDOR CLEGANE, who created a strong impression with a devastating 12-length success in a Punchestown maiden hurdle. He displayed a willing attitude that day, stretching right away from his rivals, indicating a touch of class in the process.

THIRD TIME LUCKI has been given an excellent chance by the assessor, having been dropped to a mark of 143, his lowest chase weight in handicap company. He had little chance on heavy ground behind a progressive type at Warwick, with the return to a shorter distance on better ground catalysts for potential improvement.

This is a fiendishly difficult handicap hurdle over three miles. One who may outrun his odds is the Gordon Elliott-trained AU FLEURON. The six-year-old is unexposed over hurdles and ran a creditable fourth on reappearance in first-time cheekpieces, keeping on strongly over an inadequate trip. He could fare better with that effort under his belt. Paddy Power are generously offering six places on this race, which could prove decisive for each-way players.

A WAVE OF THE SEA is the saver in the race, having slid down the weights. He’s 2lb above last season’s winning mark in this contest but arrives off the back of a good effort over three miles (led three out). Joseph O’Brien targets this weekend and all is set for a big run for notable connections.