Stars on show! The key horses to look out for at Fairyhouse on Sunday

The number of dogs barking this one’s name would have filled Battersea months ago. 

Yes, it’s finally time to see what all the fuss is about. 

Willy De Houelle’s sky-scraper of a reputation has of course been enhanced by now being housed at Closutton and owned by the Riccis. 

But there is clearly substance behind the hype, not least because he won on debut the same Compiegne race subsequent Triumph hero Quilixios landed in 2020. 

It will be truly fascinating to see how he gets on in what, at least on paper, looks a pretty stern challenge. 

Is Romeo a Supreme being? We’ll certainly know an awful lot more after the Royal Bond. 

Last season’s Champion Bumper runner-up is an out-and-out two-miler, with a shift of gear few on the circuit possess.

That was evidenced on his hurdling bow at Down Royal at the beginning of the month when he battered 15 rivals by upwards of 18 lengths. 

The form is questionable, but Romeo Coolio barely ruffled a twig and is clearly one of the sharpest novices we have seen thus far. 

Those already clutching ante-post Supreme tickets will be watching intently.

With Ballyburn seemingly operating on a different level, the landscape for the Arkle is unlikely to shift too markedly no matter how Firefox gets on in the Drinmore. 

Heart Wood is a worthy nemesis, but Gordon Elliott’s inmate should win – and win with some authority. 

He was given a real race by Mossy Fen Park on his chasing debut at Down Royal, but he hurtled over his fences with genuine relish and was much, much too good in the end. 

On all known form over hurdles, the beauty with Firefox is that he will be able to revert to two miles with consummate ease, which of course makes him a serious Arkle player. 

If all goes to plan at Fairyhouse, as it should do, it will be most interesting to see where he goes after that. 

From the joys of the John Durkan to a leave-it-all-out-there dust-up in the Hatton’s Grace, who says jumps racing is a grind these days? 

Teahupoo v Lossiemouth is admittedly not Ali v Frazier in the broader sporting context. 

But you’re probably in the wrong game if this heavyweight showdown does not butter your parsnips. 

Teahupoo is justifiably odds-on as he goes in pursuit of a Hatton’s Grace hat-trick. 

His supporters will also suggest that this was never Lossiemouth’s prime target after she was a late defector from the Morgiana last weekend. 

But has this exceptional grey mare, who gets weight from the two-year-older Teahupoo, hit her peak on a racecourse yet? 

The suspicion remains that there is, scarily, still an awful lot more left within the locker. 

Whatever the outcome, let us collectively hope for a classic duel.