Fil Dor unbeaten record on the line at Leopardstown

Fil Dor puts his unbeaten record and tall reputation on the line in the Racing TV-sponsored Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The French recruit has been hugely impressive in winning each of his three starts for Gordon Elliott – most recently dominating his rivals in a Grade Two over this course and distance in December.

The grey – who carries Andrew and Gemma Brown's Caldwell Construction colours – will be well fancied to add to his tally on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival under Davy Russell.

Joey Logan, racing manager for the owners, said: "He’s unbeaten at the moment and we’re really looking forward to him running. He did a nice bit of work the other day and he’s in very good nick."

Last week Fil Dor’s stablemate Pied Piper threw his hat into the ring as a potential Triumph Hurdle contender with a stunning display at Cheltenham for the same owners.

The biggest threat to Fil Dor this weekend appears to be the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban, who was narrowly beaten by Pied Piper in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve.

"It’s going to be very interesting," Logan added.

"In fairness to Fil Dor, his form is very solid. We knew Pied Piper would improve for his first run, which he did, so it’s going to be interesting to see how Willie’s horse runs on Saturday.

"There’s been a lot of talk about Willie’s horse, but I think Fil Dor is the one to beat."

Fil Dor is one of two runners for Elliott along with Punchestown scorer The Tide Turns, while Vauban leads a four-pronged Mullins squad which also includes Icare Allen, Vadaly and Il Etait Temps.

Noel Meade’s Ben Siegel, another debut winner over hurdles at Punchestown, also features.

The first of four Grade Ones on the card is the Nathaniel Lacy And Partners