Alan Fleming is looking forward to seeing Gwencily Berbas make his return to action in the Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Monday.

The five-year-old bolted up on his seasonal reappearance at Naas in early November before finishing an excellent third behind Arctic Fire in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse three weeks later.

Gwencily Berbas has been off the track since, with connections waiting for better ground, and Fleming is keen on his chances in this two-and-a-half-mile Grade Two.

He said: "He's very well, we're delighted with him. We didn't want to run him at Christmas as we felt the ground was too deep, so we purposely put him away for this.

"The Hatton's Grace form has worked out terribly well, even with the horses that finished behind him.

"If he runs up to that sort of form he has his chance and we're looking forward to it.

"This season has been all about minding him before going over fences next year."

Gwencily Berbas faces seven rivals, including last year's winner Dedigout and British challenger Value At Risk

The eight-race card gets under way with the Grade Two REA Grimes Property Consultants Juvenile Hurdle, in which Newberry New sets the standard following victory over the course and distance last month.

Wexford scorer Alterno trained by Des McDonogh and owned by Jim Bolger, is an interesting opponent.

A field of eight runners goes to post for the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle, with Jessica Harrington's Jett and the Gordon Elliott-trained Sutton Place major contenders.