'It wasn't a surprise to us' - Kilcruit conqueror Largy Debut returns in Grade 1

Monday: 1.45 Leopardstown
Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | 4yo+ | RTE2/RTV

This has been the stepping stone to stardom for so many household names over the years, most notably Istabraq (1996), Hurricane Fly (2008), Jezki (2012) and Sizing John (2014), and this year's renewal could unearth another gem.

Last year Appreciate It announced himself to be right out of the top drawer as he stormed clear up the home straight to beat Ballyadam and he went on to land the Supreme at Cheltenham in March in even more impressive fashion. Indeed, the 2019 winner Abacadabras almost did the double too and was only pipped to festival glory by the exceptional Shishkin.

Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer in the race's history. He is chasing a seventh success and Paul Townend has opted for the prolific mare Grangee from his three representatives. She has won four of her six starts and certainly looked a natural over hurdles at Fairyhouse last month. She gets a healthy 7lb sex allowance too.

Gordon Elliott is doubly represented with Mighty Potter and Three Stripe Life. They were due to meet in the Royal Bond but Three Stripe Life was withdrawn at the eleventh hour because of ground conditions.

You could argue Mighty Potter was unlucky at Fairyhouse. He was forced very wide on the final bend, just as the tempo was increasing, and then ended up on the inside rail. Nothing was finishing faster and, given it was only the third start of his entire career, he is entitled to come on considerably for it. He will likely end up the best of these down the line, but the question is whether he is the best of these now.

Given the course was hit with 45 millimetres of rain on Christmas Day, the ground could play to the strengths of Three Stripe Life who comes in here a little under the radar and looks the value option.

Largy Debut lowered the colours of 1-14 favourite Kilcruit in a maiden hurdle at Cork this month and the manner of the victory suggests there was no fluke about it. It was very easy on the eye.

The winning time was 1.3 seconds quicker than the one recorded by Dysart Dynamo in the very next race. He is unbeaten and held in high regard at Closutton, so it would be foolish to think Largy Debut was flattered by the ten-length win.

Largy Debut could be anything, but the layers are taking no chances with his current price and Three Stripe Life is the one who appeals most as a value alternative.

Owner excited by Largy Debut

Largy Debut's upset win over Kilcruit at Cork earlier this month may have come as a surprise to some but not owner Chris Jones, who has always seemingly held the Supreme Novices' Hurdle contender in high regard.

Connections were forced to exercise patience with their exciting six-year-old over the course of a 631-day absence, but Jones is now hopeful that Largy Debut can make up for lost time.

"It wasn't a surprise to us," said Jones of the impressive Cork success.

Largy Debut: set to step up in class at Leopardstown on MondayCredit: David Keane (racingpost.com/photos)

"Stuart Crawford, who trained him for his point-to-point and bumper, said he thought this was the best horse he'd ever trained. He said he put pressure on himself and us by saying that, but it was great to see him come back and win after some time off."

Jones added: "This horse has had his issues and hasn't been entirely straightforward but we knew that if we got a clear run with him there's an engine there. We're looking forward to seeing how he gets on here."

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Mighty Potter and Three Stripe Life
I think they are two really nice novices. They were supposed to run against one another in the Royal Bond, but we took Three Stripe Life out beforehand because of the ground and waited for this instead. I've been very happy with him. You'd have to say Mighty Potter was a bit unlucky at Fairyhouse and I'd like to think he will come forward for the experience. We've always thought he was very nice.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Arctic Warrior, Farout and Grangee
Grangee was impressive on her hurdling debut. I’m not sure how much strength the race had, but she couldn’t do it any easier than she did. With her fillies' allowance on a track she likes – indeed she won a Grade 2 bumper here – she goes there with every chance. I still don’t think we’ve seen the best of Arctic Warrior. When he puts it all together he'll be a major player and hopefully that'll happen here. Farout can jump very well but other times he can get a bit upset and doesn't jump quite so well. He's a tough horse to ride but if Sean O'Keeffe gets on with him, he has a chance of being in with a shout going to the last.

Read more Monday previews . . .

1.40 Chepstow: is there another star in this year's Finale? Graeme Rodway analyses the field

2.30 Kempton: Henderson confident Shishkin is ready for return – but has concerns over ground

2.50 Chepstow: Welsh Grand National – key trainer quotes as Secret Reprieve bids for rare double

Big-race analysis: Keith Melrose on why the Welsh National has always been a front runner's haven (Members' Club)

2.55 Leopardstown: essential insight and quotes for the Paddy Power Chase