Cappucino had good form last season but was a shade disappointing when beaten on return. Just a four-year-old, he has plenty of time to right that wrong but has an opponent of real promise this time and may have to settle for the runner-up spot once more.

Banprionsa was a costly failure on her hurdling debut and while she will be too short a price to recoup those losses for punters who got their fingers burned, she should have no trouble getting off the mark in the New Year’s Day Discount Tickets Online Mares’ Maiden Hurdle.

She was no match for Abi’s Champ that day in Cork, but the Lingstown point-to-point winner was a long way clear of the remainder and won’t have to improve to come home clear this afternoon. Fellow point-to-point winner Thegingrin hasn’t set the world alight in her two outings to date inside the rails but remains a promising sort and can fill the runner-up spot.

Perhaps the shortest priced runner on the card will be Jolie Coeur Allen when she contests the opening race, the 2024 Annual Badge At Tramore Racecourse Maiden. A half-sister to now stablemate Icare Allen, she was beaten on her only start in France but was pitched in deep, to the Grade Two Mares’ Bumper at Aintree, on her first start for Willie Mullins.

Sent off the 3-1 favourite that day, she was held up in the early stages but moved up going well in the homestraight. She looked the most likely winner a furlong and a half out but failed to pick up and eventually had to settle for fifth place behind Dysart Enos.

It is interesting, and only a touch concerning, that connections have reached for a hood for her first start over timber but, regardless, she could scarcely have been found a better opportunity to make a winning return. Bloomhill and Soldante can battle for the minor places.