Fairyhouse Preview: Voler to fly in Hatton's Grace

Voler La Vedette was just touched off in the World Hurdle

Timeform's Billy Nash looks at Sunday's tremendous fixture at Fairyhouse, which features three Grade 1s.

14:40 Hatton's Grace Hurdle

Voler La Vedette won this race last year by 3 lengths from Mourad and then beat the same rival in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. The pick of her subsequent efforts came when giving Big Buck's a fright in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, and should strip fitter for her recent reappearance in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan where she was left with a lot to do in relation to the winner, Whatuthink. The one to beat again.

Zaidpour is next best on Timeform ratings and won four times last year, including when beating Voler La Vedette in a very steadily-run Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran back in January. Has had his limitations exposed at the top level since, although there was no disgrace in being beaten by Hurricane Fly and Thousand Stars in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle and the Prix La Barka respectively.

Monksland is the one with the most potential for improvement in the field having won his first three starts last season prior to finishing third to Simonsig and Felix Yonger in the Neptune Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. He looked to have loads in hand when beating Joxer in the WKD Hurdle at Down Royal last month and will be suited by the return to this trip.

13:35 - Drinmore Novice Chase

Dedigout real chasing type who won four of his five starts over hurdles last seaon. Most impressive on his debut over fences last time and the runner-up that day, Happy New Year, has since won twice over hurdles. Open to significant improvement and will be well suited by the prevailing conditions.

Arvika Ligeonniere won two of his four starts over hurdles and also finished fourth to Berties Dream in the Spa Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Looked a smart chaser in the making when winning a maiden at Punchestown in May with plenty to spare.

Buckers Bridge is yet to taste defeat in four starts (including a point) but was most fortunate on his chasing debut at Punchestown as Sword of Destiny appeared to have taken his measure when that one all but came down at the last. Open to improvement.

13:05 - Royal Bond Novice Hurdle

Jezki won twice in bumpers last season and unbeaten in two outings over hurdles this term, readily accounting for Un Beau Matin in a Grade 3 contest at Naas last month. Likely to prove best at 2m and will go on improving.

Minsk smart on the Flat for John Oxx and confirmed the promise of his hurdling debut when readily winning a maiden at Punchestown on his latest outing. Has the speed to cope with the drop back to this trip.

Champagne Fever one of the best bumper performers of last season, winning at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, and got off the mark over hurdles with a very easy victory in an ordinary maiden at Cork.

Clonbanan Lad won two bumpers (for Mikey O'Connor) last season and made a winning start over hurdles/for this yard at Punchestown in October. Acts well in heavy ground and will stay 2m.