Pont Alexandre made a brilliant return from over two and a half years on the sidelines when scoring on his chasing debut at Punchestown in early December, but suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of stable companion Roi Des Francs at Naas last month.

The master of Closutton also runs Mckinley.

“Outlander is in very good form and must go there with a huge chance,” said Mullins junior.

“He has very good form at Leopardstown having beaten Martello Tower, Killultagh Vic and Windsor Park here in a novice hurdle last year. They all went on to win at Cheltenham.

“He seems to jump fences better than he did hurdles and has everything going for him.

“I think Pont Alexandre should improve on his last run. We know he’s got the ability, but because of the injury problems he’s had you’re walking on egg shells the whole time.

“Mckinley is a Grade One winner and has the ability, but he’s a bit of enigma in that he’s not the most consistent.”

Noel Meade struck gold in last year’s renewal with Apache Stronghold and hopes slightly better ground will help Monksland improve on his latest effort when third behind No More Heroes at this track.

“The ground in Leopardstown the last day was terrible and Sean (Flanagan) said he just couldn’t get out of it and the fences looked 10ft tall to him,” Meade said.

“Better ground would help him and he’s in good form.

Zabana made a successful start to his career over fences at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting and trainer Andrew Lynch is looking forward to testing his powers at the highest level ahead of a likely return to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The Tony Martin-trained Blair Perrone completes a six-strong field.