Big clashes in store at Leopardstown and Limerick with superstars declared

There will be no shortage of stars on show at Leopardstown and Limerick on Thursday with the Grade 1 races offering some outstanding festive clashes.

In the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase (2.20) at Leopardstown Fakir D'Oudairies will face off against Laurina and Notebook. Fakir D'Oudairies was a Grade 1 winner last time out at Fairyhouse for Joseph O'Brien, but faces a stiff test.

Cheltenham Festival winner Laurina made a successful chase debut at Gowran Park last month, while Notebook already has an official rating of 150 after two chase wins at Punchestown. Laurina's stablemate Royal Rendezvous also made a successful debut over fences last month and Djingle completes the field.

At Limerick multiple Grade 1-winning hurdler Faugheen will bid for a first win at the highest level over fences in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Novice Chase (2.40). Leading the opposition is Samcro, who made a successful start over fences last time out at Down Royal before falling when in contention against Fakir D'Oudairies at Fairyhouse.

There will be familiar faces on show at Down Royal as well, with Black Hercules, Edwulf and Ucello Conti among those due to line up in a 2m6f hunter chase (2.45).

In the Grade 3 888Sport Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (2.10) at Wetherby Henry Brooke has been the jockey to follow. He has won it for the last three seasons, and will bid to make it four on last year's winner Lake View Lad for Nick Alexander.

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