The Gordon Elliott-trained nine-year-old must shoulder an 8lb penalty for his convincing victory over Sandor Clegane in a Grade 2 at Punchestown back in November.

But, rated 144, he has been found a good opportunity to record his second success over the bigger obstacles here although, on ratings, he faces a tough task in giving 8lb to Paul Nolan’s 136-rated Joyeux Machin, pulled up in a Leopardstown handicap hurdle last time, back in February.

A three-time hurdle winner, Favori De Champdou finished fourth to Gaelic Warrior at Punchestown and runner-up to Affordale Fury prior to making his fencing breakthrough, at Grade 2 level.

Since then, he has mixed it in top company, finishing well-beaten behind Grangeclare West in a Leopardstown Grade 1 and fourth behind American Mike in the ‘Ten Up’ at Navan.

And, last time, on his handicap debut, he was well held when falling two out in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, won by Intense Raffles, at Fairyhouse.

Back in calmer waters here, the Gigginstown-owned gelding should be tough to beat here and should give Jack Kennedy a welcome winner as he continues to fend off Paul Townend in the title-race.

Kennedy and Elliott might also have prospects in the opening OCS Recruitment Maiden Hurdle with Mordor, brought down at the fourth in the ‘Boodles’ at Cheltenham.

But he might struggle to cope with Paul Nolan’s 116-rated Palamon, badly hampered in the carnage at the fourth in the Boodles before being pulled up but boasting a solid third to Ndaawi at Naas prior to his Cheltenham trip.

And the Willie Mullins-trained Ballygunner Castle, third behind stable-companion Coco Masterpiece and Fishery lane (subsequently fifth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham) on his debut in Thurles, looks solid in the bumper.

Meanwhile, Ballinrobe stages its first meeting of 2024 with a card comprising six hurdles and bumper.

And the Closutton runner Onlyamatteroftime, highly-tried since arriving from Niall Madden’s, appeals in the Lodge At Ashford Castle (Amateur) Handicap Hurdle, in which he’ll be ridden by Patrick Mullins.

Sixth to Luccia in Ascot and down the field in the Betfair Hurdle in Newbury, this fellow showed a few quirks when running out twice for his current yard.

But, if on his best behaviour, he looks well-in here off 109 against heavily-penalised recent winners Oneforgonzo and King Of Cong.

Earlier, lightly-raced top-weight Kings Hill, dropping in class having contested the ‘Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham, might land the McGrath Limestone Works Handicap Hurdle for the father and son combination of Paul and Jack Gilligan.