Ready for take-off: star chaser Footpad declared to make return at Naas

Sensational Racing Post Arkle winner Footpad will once again go head to head with the Harry Whittington-trained Saint Calvados as the exciting pair feature among five declarations for the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase at Naas on Saturday.

Willie Mullins' superstar chaser, who is unbeaten in five starts over fences, will bid to enhance his Champion Chase claims, for which he is the general 7-2 second favourite behind Altior.

Mullins said: "Footpad seems to be well, he schooled well and he worked very well during the week so we look forward to starting him off at Naas.

"The Popular Square Chase is a nice type of race for Footpad and it’s nice to get him out and back on the track. A second-season novice race like this is a lovely starting point."

Saint Calvados, fourth behind Footpad in the Arkle last March, was a 22-length winner of the Betway Kingmaker Novices' Chase, and ventures to Ireland for the first time in his career.

Gordon Elliott's brilliant mare Apple's Jade makes her seasonal debut in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on Sunday, where she will face 2014 Champion Hurdle winner Jezki and Identity Thief.

The Gigginstown-owned six-year-old was last seen finishing third behind Cheltenham conqueror Benie Des Dieux at Punchestown but was subsequently found to be in season.

On what could be an excellent weekend for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, We Have A Dream, a dual Grade 1 winner for Nicky Henderson last season, makes his seasonal reappearance in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

The four-year-old, who was an emphatic winner of the Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April, faces stablemate Verdana Blue as well as the Harry Fry-trained duo If The Cap Fits and Air Horse One.

Ladbrokes Trophy favourite Terrefort will begin his campaign in the feature Listed Future Stars Intermediate Chase at Sandown on Sunday, where he faces Elegant Escape, Coo Star Sivola and Thomas Patrick.

The evergreen Unowhatimeanharry returns to Aintree in a bid to repeat his win in the 2m4f British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre Hurdle.

Click here to find out all the runners and riders this weekend

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