THERE are some proper Grade 1 campaigners returning to action at Naas on Sunday, and one of the more fascinating clashes comes in a beginners’ chase (3.13) showdown between talented two-mile hurdler Anzadam and Barry Connell’s Grade 1 winner Eachtotheirown.

Official ratings have Anzadam 9lb ahead of the last-time-out Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle scorer, but there is no doubt that Connell’s seven-year-old looks physically built for chasing.

Owned in partnership with Tim O’Driscoll, Eachtotheirown has reportedly been pleasing his trainer ahead of this weekend’s Into Kildare-backed contest. He heads to Naas as a top-priced 33/1 shot for the Arkle.

Connell told The Irish Field: “His schooling has been very good. The way he jumps a hurdle, he’s always made the shape of a chaser and you could say he nearly overjumped a hurdle a little. They say that Westerners tend to improve again for going chasing and hopefully this horse will continue to go the right way.

“We’re looking forward to getting him started. We think he’s got the ability to climb and build on his rating over hurdles, now that he’s over fences. He’s fairly far forward for his first run of the season. We’re expecting a big run.”

Connell was keen to praise the efforts of the ground staff and management at Naas, where the going was described as good to yielding (watering ongoing) on Friday morning.

“I went out to walk the track at Naas on Thursday and it’s looking absolutely beautiful,” he said.

“I think Naas is an example to many other tracks with the standard of ground that should be on offer. Compared to what some tracks have been offering lately, it’s really lovely ground. I hope it’ll suit this horse fine.”