Arkle favourite Captain Cee Bee tops the bill on Saturday afternoon’s programme at Naas, with Eddie Harty’s star bidding to set himself up for another Cheltenham tilt by landing the Opera Hat Novice Chase.

The 2008 Supreme Novice Hurdle hero has unsurprisingly frightened away most of the opposition, but Fosters Cross and Beau Michael are at least useful sorts who should provide some resistance. With Tony McCoy on duty at Sandown Mark Walsh, who parted company with Captain Cee Bee at the last when they looked set to beat Sizing Europe at Leopardstown over Christmas, deservedly retains the mount.

Grey Soldier has bumped into a couple of very decent types in his two previous forays over hurdles and looks to have been found an excellent opportunity to open his account in the opening maiden hurdle. Gordon Elliott’s French import should be too strong for the likes of Gallilei and Monastrell.

Caduceus, runner-up to the promising Arvika Ligeonneire at Fairyhouse, and Pay The Bounty could be the two to concentrate on in the other maiden hurdle, while Kimberlite King is probably the one to beat in the beginners chase.