JOSEPH O’Brien looks to hold a very strong hand in the Triumph Hurdle following Fakir D’Oudairies’ fluent victory in the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle.

Well-backed, the 4/1 chance had 13 lengths to spare over stable companion Fine Brunello, with Nicky Henderson’s disappointing 5/4 favourite Adjali only third.

Fakir D’Oudairies had good form in France, including over fences, before joining O’Brien and won a 22-runner Cork maiden hurdle in good style. Clearly progressive, he jumped to the head of the Triumph Hurdle market but the trainer also has Leopardstown winner Sir Erec, favourite for a Grade 1 event back at the Dublin track tomorrow, waiting in the wings.

Adjali made the running but was brushed aside when JJ Slevin sent the winner to the front with two to jump. Fine Brunello moved into second but was well held on the run-in. He is improving, however, and had Protektorat, who beat him in France, back in fifth here. He started at 25/1 and rewarded a few shrewd forecast and Exacta players.

“Fakir D’Oudairies travelled very comfortably and jumped very well,” O’Brien’s cousin JJ Slevin said. “I’d say he is probably better with a bit of juice but it’s a long way from winter ground out there and I’m sure he’ll be fine back here in the spring.”

It was hard to fault the performance and Fakir D’Oudairies is between 4/1 and 6/1 favourite for the juvenile championship with Sir Erec easing to 7/1 in some lists. O’Brien had plenty to do with preparing 2016 winner Ivanovich Gorbatov and also has the promising Gardens Of Babylon on his team. According to Slevin there may be one or two others, as well, so home defenders have plenty to ponder.