'He's one to fear' - Flooring Porter camp braced for Bob Olinger clash on Sunday

Connections of dual Stayers' Hurdle hero Flooring Porter are "chomping at the bit" before Sunday's Lismullen Hurdle (1.55) clash with Bob Olinger – a rival the reigning champion's camp view as a serious new force in the staying division this season.

Bob Olinger's trainer Henry de Bromhead is looking forward to getting the two-time Cheltenham Festival winner back over hurdles, with the seven-year-old having pleased connections in his preparations for the Grade 2 last week.

A quality field is expected for the Railway Bar-backed prize at Navan on Sunday, with the 12 entries including last season's festival Cross Country Chase scorer Delta Work, Champion Hurdle third Zanahiyr, as well as proven Graded performers Ashdale Bob, Teahupoo and Sire Du Berlais.

Ned Hogarty, part-owner of €5,000 bargain-buy Flooring Porter, is hoping his three-time Grade 1 winner can avoid a similar fate than was the case in last season's Lismullen Hurdle when falling at the second-last flight while in front.

Hogarty said: "We're chomping at the bit to see him out again. Hopefully he'll be fit enough on his first start of the season and be there or thereabouts – even if it isn't the be-all and end-all of his season.

Wild celebrations: Cheltenham's winner's enclosure erupted after Flooring Porter's win in last season's Paddy Power Stayers' HurdleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He had a good break and Gavin [Cromwell] says he's matured a lot, but I hope he hasn't matured too much – you have to like the bit of madness in him. We expect he'll take the same route back to Cheltenham again this season."

Flooring Porter is a top-priced 9-2 favourite to become the first horse since Big Buck's to win three consecutive Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdles in March, with Bob Olinger the general third favourite no bigger than 10-1.

On his impressions of the current staying hurdling division, Hogarty said: "Nothing will come easy for us and Blazing Khal is one you'd have to pay attention to. He hasn't run for a while but Charles Byrnes is certainly a man to get one ready for the big day.

"It'll be interesting to see if Buzz comes back too, and Bob Olinger is very classy. He's a Grade 1 horse and one you'd have to fear this season."

Sunday's assignment has long been viewed as the aim for Bob Olinger.

De Bromhead said: "Bob Olinger seems to be back to himself now and worked really well last week. I was delighted with him. The plan for the last while has been the Lismullen Hurdle so that's where he is going to go. I'm looking forward to it."

Ferny Hollow: holds two entries for this weekend's action at Naas and NavanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elsewhere in this weekend's entries, Ferny Hollow – absent for the second half of last season due to injury – could return at Naas on Saturday in the Grade 3 Barberstown Castle Poplar Square Steeplechase (12.55) or wait a day later for the Grade 2 Sean P. Muldoon & Patrick F. Gormley Fortria Chase (2.30) at Navan.

Stablemate and Maghull Novices' Chase winner Gentleman De Mee also holds entries for the same 2m contests, as does the Gordon Elliott-trained Riviere D'Etel.

Vauban has not been entered for Naas' Grade 3 Fishery Lane Hurdle (12.20), but Fil Dor – the four-year-old who finished runner-up to Willie Mullins' Champion Hurdle hope in a trio of Grade 1s last season – is in the mix.

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle winner Brazil and Triumph Hurdle fourth Icare Allen could represent JP McManus.

The same owner's Hercule Du Seuil, an impressive maiden hurdle winner at Tipperary on his most recent start for Willie Mullins, is one of the standout players in Sunday's Grade 3 Gibney's For Auction Novice Hurdle (1.20) at Navan.

Dual Grade 2 winner Flame Bearer is a fascinating recruit to Mullins from the Pat Doyle stable and could make his chasing debut for the champion trainer in either a beginners' chase over 2m4f at Naas (3.15) or 2m1f at Navan (12.45).

Three Stripe Life: could make his debut over fences at Naas on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Mersey Novices' Hurdle scorer Three Stripe Life and Grade 1 runner-up Minella Crooner are in contention for the same contest at Naas.

The going was yesterday described as soft, soft to heavy in places, with the forecast unsettled over the coming days. Light showers are expected in the lead-up to Sunday's fixture at Navan, where the ground is soft.

RTE Racing will show live coverage of the classy Navan card, airing from 1.10pm to 3.40pm, while national Irish language station TG4 will be broadcasting at Naas from 12.45pm to 4.15pm.

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