VITUS, a son of the French Derby winner, Bering, made a pleasing start to his hurdling career at Punchestown last month, easily accounting for the warm favourite, Delphi Lodge. Today's Irish National Hunt Novice Hurdle at Thurles will be a far more competitive affair, but the Dermot Kelly runner might well be up to the challenge.

A promising two-year-old with Michael Kauntze, Vitus only returned to action in October, so further improvement can be reasonably expected. His jumping at Punchestown was, for the most part, extremely good and if he can reproduce that display, he could have the measure of the more experienced pair, Three Scholars and Montelisa.

Having come up against two useful performers in Charlie Foxtrot and Bukhari on his last two outings, Boss Doyle should continue the good run of the Michael Morris stable by winning the Cashel Hurdle from Blitzer.

Unlike most of our juvenile hurdlers, Three Rivers has been a model of consistency and deservedly finally got his head in front at Limerick. He should go well again in the Killinan Hurdle but might find the concession of 12 lb to No Avail beyond him.

No Avail, beaten a long way when fifth to Rescue Time at Clonmel in heavy going, may, like her half brother, the talented bumper horse Aboriginal, be more effective on the good ground surprisingly forecast for today.

The first division of the Holiday Opportunity Handicap Hurdle may go to Vintners Venture, second to Kaselectric at Limerick after making much of the running. The additional half mile today could prove an advantage.

In thee other division, Laurens Fancy, a course and distance winner, will be partnered by that talented rider Garrett Cotter and must go close, while Skulldugery may struggle to confirm Limerick form with Jihaad over this longer distance. The selection, however, is Lady Quayside, who ran quite well behind Rosin The Bow at Navan.

Lady Quayside's trainer, Willie Mullins, whose runners in bumpers have always to be respected, is represented by the newcomer, Ring Albert, in the Archerstown INH Flat Race. Slightly preferred is Truvaro, second over hurdles to Delphi Lodge at Navan