Connections of The Tullow Tank believe the six-year-old is again ready to show his true colours when he lines up for the Topaz Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Sandra Hughes 's bright young prospect made an impressive chasing debut at Fairyhouse in early November, only to disappoint four weeks later in the Drinmore when he was a well-beaten fourth behind Valseur Lido.

However, it transpired The Tullow Tank, who was a Grade One winner as a novice over hurdles last season, was suffering from a lung infection.

Owner Barry Connell said: "He had the lung infection at Fairyhouse, but he seems back in good form again now. Everyone at home is very happy with him.

"Hopefully he's back to his best and it will be onwards and upwards from here."

Valseur Lido's trainer Willie Mullins relies on Don Poli who made a winning debut over fences at Gowran five weeks ago.

Don Poli's owners Gigginstown House Stud also have Very Wood whose trainer Noel Meade also saddles Apache Stronghold He was second to Valseur Lido in the Drinmore.

The other three in a seven-horse contest also have strong form.

Henry de Bromhead's Shanahan's Turn has struck twice at Punchestown this term, Paul Fahey's Lots Of Memories was a good winner at Navan and Gordon Elliott runs Mala Beach

He got off the mark over fences at Punchestown earlier this month after finishing second to The Tullow Tank on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse