Captain Guinness, Darver Star and Andy Dufresne face off in Poplar Square

Poplar Square Chase (Grade 3) | 2m | 4yo+ | RTV/TG4

There are a plenty of recognisable names to note across the eight race-card and the likes of Captain Guinness, Darver Star, Felix Desjy and Andy Dufresne make this Grade 3 an intriguing affair.

All four rivals, rated between 149 and 153, did not end their novice chasing seasons as would been have hoped, but they now have the chance to get their careers back on track over fences.

Captain Guinness: last win came in a beginners' chase at Punchestown in December 2020Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott's pair of Felix Desjy and Andy Dufresne face a potentially tricky task in giving 9lb and 7lb respectively to the Henry de Bromhead and Gavin Cromwell-trained contenders.

Captain Guinness comes out best at the ratings and De Bromhead said of the Arkle third: "He's in great form and was possibly a little bit unlucky last season. I obviously gave the wrong riding instructions in the Arkle but I'm looking forward to a good season with him."

Elliott added of his duo: "It's a competitive race but a nice starting point for them. I'm hoping that the shorter trip can be a help to Andy Dufresne after his last run over two and a half miles but we'll see how he gets on. Felix Desjy has the advantage of a run under his belt already this season over hurdles at Tipperary."

Plenty will be watching the mares' bumper (4.15) closely as Bellatior, a half-sister to recently-retired star Altior, makes her debut for Elliott after fetching €300,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale last August.

Upping The Ante star Gavin Lynch joins the Racing Post roster for a weekly Saturday column throughout the jumps season. He'll offer a guide to the weekend action, highlight the horses and races to watch and share his punting wisdom. Read it every Saturday in the Racing Post or online from 4pm every Friday.