Arbre De Vie winning at Fairyhouse last season© Photo Healy Racing
Arbre De Vie is sure to attract plenty of attention as he lines up in the Rock Of Cashel (C & G) Beginners Chase at Thurles on Thursday.
Willie Mullins' charge proved useful over hurdles last term, winning twice before finishing fourth in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham and second in a competitive event at Punchestown.
He has been off the track since then but given the flying form of the Mullins' team, he is hard to oppose in this seven-runner affair.
Stablemate Uranna suffered a surprise defeat on her fencing bow but she will try to right that record in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Beginners Chase.
Mullins' charge showed up well in Grade One company over hurdles but her 13-length defeat at Naas earlier this month must surely have disappointed the Closutton team.
She is one of 12 to go to post here with Mick Winters' For Gortnatona an obvious rival following her recent hurdles win at Wexford.
Martin Brassil fields both A Grey Matter and All The Sevens in the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Rated Novice Chase in which Manuka is one to bear in mind.
There is a distinct lack of recent winning form in the Templemore Handicap Chase but popular veteran Mr Eko would surely please many if he can come home in front. Betterthanalright tops the field in the closing Thurles Racecourse Handicap Chase.
