Setting The Scene: Expect fireworks on star-studded card at Fairyhouse

Envoi Allen (128P)
Royal Bond Novice Hurdle

It’s relatively early days in the jumps season but the Gordon Elliott-trained Envoi Allen is already a strong favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at a top price of 6/1 and he will strengthen his grip on that Cheltenham Festival market if beating talented stablemate Abacadbras (the 14/1 second favourite for the Supreme) in the Royal Bond on Sunday.

Envoi Allen, an impressive point winner, was backed as if defeat was out of the question on his bumper debut on this Fairyhouse card last year, and he justified that strong support in style, powering home in the style of an exciting prospect.

He progressed with each run last season and the rating he achieved when winning the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham (125) was the best in that race since Briar Hill demolished his rivals by seven lengths in 2013.

He jumped well on his hurdling debut at Down Royal and beat a subsequent winner with ease, only enhancing his lofty reputation. He is one of the most highly-regarded novice hurdlers in recent years, and with good reason.

A double on the day for @gelliott_racing, as ENVOI ALLEN justifies favouritism to claim the 2019 Champion Bumper at the #CheltenhamFestival!

(🎥@RacingTV)pic.twitter.com/vCsyJ6cu0w

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) March 13, 2019

Samcro (140P)
Drinmore Novice Chase

In fact, Envoi Allen is perhaps the most highly-regarded novice hurdler since stablemate Samcro started out over obstacles two years ago.

Samcro swept all before him in novice company, showing very smart form and achieving a rating of 155 in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, but fell in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle on his final start of the season and was beaten on all three starts in a disappointing, truncated campaign last term.

However, he underwent a breathing operation before making his chasing debut at Down Royal last month and got his career back on track with a 17-length success, impressing with his jumping and, importantly, hitting the line still full of running.

Still only a seven-year-old, Samcro remains with the potential to go right to the very top over fences but he won't have an easy task on Sunday up against the likes of Fakir d'Oudairies and Irish Grand National winner Burrows Saint.

SAMCRO makes the perfect start to his chasing career with a lovely round of jumping at @Downroyal!

📽️ @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/7ftegYhK33

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) November 1, 2019

Benie des Dieux (159) (NON RUNNER)
Hatton’s Grace Hurdle

Benie des Dieux had the 2019 Mares’ Hurdle at her mercy, but fell at the final flight, bringing back memories of Annie Power’s exit in the same race for the same connections four years earlier. That is the only blot on her copybook since joining Willie Mullins, with her record standing at seven wins from eight starts, and she produced her best performance on her most recent outing, landing the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil, achieving a Timeform rating of 159.

That was the first time she was asked to compete outside mares’ company since joining Mullins, and it afforded her the opportunity to show the extent of her talent. She may well be asked another serious question on Sunday as Apple’s Jade (151), who has won the Hatton’s Grace for the last three years, and the unbeaten Honeysuckle could tackle her.

Very impressive!

Benie Des Dieux bolts up in the French Champion Hurdle at @Hippo_Auteuil for @WillieMullinsNH and @PTownend!

📽️ @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/IEvYUzwtG0

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) May 18, 2019