The inaugural Dublin Racing Festival looms large on the horizon and by this time next week the declarations for the first leg of the two day spectacular, which will bring together many of the finest jumpers in the country, will be revealed.

A host of Grade 1 contests and valuable handicaps promise to provide many pointers and an abundance of food for thought for Cheltenham. Over the course of the weekend there will be a host of fascinating clashes but it should also lead to several key questions being answered.

Firstly Faugheen is reported to be on course for the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle. The star two miler’s eclipse at Christmas was by far the biggest shock of a dramatic festive period and this race will provide a telling guide as to whether he will be able to regain his Champion Hurdle crown.

Another horse on a recovery mission is Our Duke in the Unibet Irish Gold Cup. A star novice chaser last term, Jessica Harrington’s charge hasn’t run since pulling up at Down Royal in November. This race offers him a chance to reaffirm his credentials for the Cheltenham Gold Cup for which he looked a leading contender at the end of last season.

Elliott's star

The previous afternoon Yorkhill will drop back to two miles in the Coral Dublin Chase. His abortive attempt at three miles over Christmas has prompted connections to bring him back in trip and this looks an ideal race for him to stake his claim for Champion Chase honours.

Lastly the meeting will see Samcro make his eagerly awaited third start over hurdles. Gordon Elliott’s unbeaten star has attracted a huge level of attention thus far and looks a horse of genuine stellar potential. A step up to Grade 1 level will present him with his most meaningful test to date and another success will see him head to Cheltenham as one of the leading Irish fancies over the four days at Prestbury Park.