LIMERICK PREVIEW:SPORTS LINE has already brushed aside any suggestions of being a "dark horse" for Cheltenham's Arkle Trophy in March, and he can increase his profile even further with success in Limerick's St Stephen's Day Grade Two highlight.

Eleven hopefuls line up for the Guinness Greenmount Park Novice Chase, including some other high-class youngsters like Coolcashin, Mr Warbucks, River Liane and Oscar Looby.

This would normally be an ideal target for horses with such a progressive profile at this stage of the season, but Willie Mullins’s decision to take Sports Line out of the Leopardstown feature and come here instead puts a different complexion on things.

Sports Line put in a spectacular display in his first start over fences at Navan when only a mistake at the third last provided the only blemish.

Afterwards, Mullins and Ruby Walsh were effusive in their praise for a rather headstrong individual who is now 14 to 1 in some betting lists for the Arkle.

What Mullins also stressed, though, was the importance of Walsh maintaining the partnership with Sports Line.

Kauto Star’s appearance in the King George was never going to make that a runner in terms of St Stephen’s Day, but, significantly, while dropping in class from Leopardstown, the champion trainer does let Sports Line run.

The hugely-impressive Paul Townend takes over, and there will be some hope among the opposition that a combination of a new jockey and a two-and-a-half-mile trip will find Sports Line out.

The Coolcashin camp in particular will relish a test of stamina, but Mullins’s decision to let Sports Line take his chance has to be respected, whatever the circumstances.

Limerick also hosts an interesting Beginners Chase, where the Mullins team will be represented by course specialist Quiscover Fontaine, who makes his first start over fences.

Emmet Mullins is again on board, just as when Quiscover Fontaine won over hurdles at the Christmas festival here last year, and in January.

Taradoun represents more current form, having chased home Apt Approach at Clonmel last week, but the horse representing some of the best form lines around is Kimberlite King.

Matt O’Connor teams up with Colm Murphy’s seven-year-old who has finished fourth to both Sports Line and Osana at Navan this season. That experience could prove crucial.

Murphy has winning prospects at Leopardstown as well, especially with Frontier Lady, in the handicap chase.

But Limerick could prove an especially happy hunting ground as Quito De La Rouge, runner-up to Glenstal Abbey at Navan earlier in the month, holds good claims for the opening maiden hurdle.

Rigour Back Bob is due to make a quick reappearance in the conditions hurdle after justifying long odds on at Thurles on Sunday, after which trainer Edward O’Grady indicated a step up in trip may suit the four-year-old.

Nevertheless, this race looks a logical step for Rigour Back Bob, but with Gordon Elliott’s string in good form, he could be vulnerable to Roi Du Mee, who won at Gowran on his latest start.

Elliott will also fancy his chances in the two-mile-and-five-furlong handicap hurdle with Lady Roberta, who gave the odds-on favourite For Bill a real fright at Clonmel last week when only giving best in the final few strides after a protracted duel.

Black Alpine can improve from a pair of runner-up placings to get his head in front in the second maiden hurdle, while Noel Meade usually sends a decent sort for the bumper and this year he tries Original Option.