Key questions as Le Richebourg heads pair of O'Brien runners in Irish Arkle

3.45 LeopardstownFrank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1) | 2m1f | RTV & ITV4

Le Richebourg has already conquered some of the best two-mile novice chasers Ireland has to offer and now Joseph O'Brien is setting his sights on more Grade 1 glory with his exceptionally exciting chaser.

It's fair to say Le Richebourg was a good hurdler without being outstanding. However, since switching to fences this season, the JP McManus-owned youngster has quickly identified himself as a leading Cheltenham contender.

Last seen beating his stablemate Us And Them, who reopposes here, in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase over course and distance at Christmas, Le Richebourg will be out to confirm himself an excellent prospect with his second top level success.

O'Brien said: "Le Richebourg has been in good form since Christmas and I hope he runs well. He likes a bit of nice ground and that will suit him."

On Us And Them, the trainer added: "He's run well over course and distance and we’re hoping he can go close again."

Will Moore be rewarded for being bold?

Knocknanuss: bidding to become the first British-trained winner of the Irish Arkle since 1997Credit: Edward Whitaker

You have to scan way back to 1997 to find the last British-trained winner of this race, when the great David Nicholson was successful with Mulligan, but Gary Moore is out to buck the trend with Knocknanuss.

Moore said: "It's a whole new adventure for him and a lot will depend on how he takes the travelling, but I'm very hopeful.

"He's been great since Plumpton, the galloping track should play to his strengths and they're not expecting any rain, which is good news.

"If he runs a big race the credit will go to his owner, Rodger Sargent, as it was his idea to run at Leopardstown."

Can Paloma put his best foot forward?

Paloma Blue: is reported to have schooled well by Henry de BromheadCredit: Patrick McCann

Paloma Blue went some way to illustrating how big an engine he has when overcoming a sloppy round of jumping in winning his beginners' chase over course and distance at Christmas.

The Chris Jones-owned chaser will be ridden for the first time by Robbie Power, one of the most experienced riders in the game, and trainer Henry de Bromhead is expecting a good display.

He said: “Paloma Blue seems in great form. His jumping has been good since his last run and I’m very happy with him.”

Could one bullet be enough for Mullins?

Since winning this race for the first time in 2002 with Assessed, Willie Mullins has gone on to record five other victories, including Un De Sceaux [2015], Douvan [2016] and last year with Footpad.

Bidding to secure win number seven, the champion trainer relies solely on Voix Du Reve, who was no match for O'Brien's Le Richebourg and Us And Them at Christmas.

Mullins said: "Voix Du Reve is in good form but will find it hard to turn form around with Le Richebourg in what looks a hot renewal. We'll be delighted if he runs in the first three or four.”

Can Articulum get away with the ground?

Terence O’Brien would have approached this weekend with a lot more confidence behind Articulum had the rain arrived but instead the trainer will walk the track on Saturday morning before making a decision on whether his stable star will line up or not.

O’Brien said: “I'm a bit nervous about the ground. I'll walk it and see what I think before deciding whether or not we run.

"He's a massive, heavy horse and just needs it soft. I'm very happy with him otherwise.”

Could either of Elliott’s take flight?

Gordon Elliott has yet to win this race but will be hoping to break his duck with either Mengli Khan, a Grade 1-winning novice hurdler, or Duca De Thaix, an impressive winner of the Dan Moore Handicap Chase on his latest start.

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