Schindlers Hunt hard to oppose at a favourite haunt

A clerical error resulting in the absence of the name of Schindlers Hunt from the list of Arkle entries at Cheltenham in March has meant his chance of festival glory is gone, but the Dessie Hughes-trained star can gain significant compensation at Leopardstown tomorrow in the Baileys Irish Arkle.

Schindlers Hunt will be returning to the course and distance of his Grade One success over Christmas when he easily beat Hear The Echo, and it's hard to argue against a follow-up in the main support event.

Young Desperado, who fell at the second-last in that Durkan New Homes Chase, significantly teams up with Ruby Walsh this time, so he could be one to keep an eye out for.

But the others look well held by Schindlers Hunt, whose run behind Cailin Alainn in the Drinmore indicates a talented young horse very much on the up.

The other Graded action at Leopardstown is the Toshiba Copier Novice Hurdle, and, with the ground drying out slightly, it could be worth opposing the dour-staying Kazal.

The Noel Meade runner Aitmatov is another representing some of the best novice form this season, but those looking for a touch of value could do worse than side with Brave Inca's stable companion Sher Why Not, whose career has been blighted by injury but who can still prove he is no back number at the age of nine.

Tom Taaffe has won the Clarkson Financial Handicap Chase twice before, and the race, sponsored by Kicking King's owner, could again be on the menu courtesy of In The High Grass.

This Thurles winner found Mansony and Our Ben too good over Christmas, but looks attractively weighted on 10.1.

The smart flat stayer Icklingham will be John Oxx's first National Hunt runner for 25 years in the maiden hurdle, but he has a big task on his hands against last year's Cheltenham bumper winner Hairy Molly, who also makes his jumping debut.