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Marine Nationale will be looking to establish himself at the top of the two mile novice chasing division with victory in Saturday’s Irish Arkle.

The seven-year-old, owned and trained by Barry Connell, remains unbeaten in six starts under rules and made a smooth start to his chasing career with an impressive victory at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Winner of last year's Grade 1 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, Marine Nationale faces an easier task than initially expected in Saturday's contest - with main rival Gaelic Warrior diverting to a longer contest on Sunday.

"We've had a clear run with the horse, everything has been good with no hiccups," said Connell.

"He looks the one to beat on all known form and ratings and so forth. It's a small field and he's a course and distance winner already, so that in itself is a positive.

"He loves jumping and I think the ground will probably dry out, I think it'll be no worse than yielding ground and this horse goes on anything from good ground to soft ground, so that's not going to be an issue.

"Normally Willie doesn't say anything, but he got everybody excited about a big clash with Gaelic Warrior and then changed his mind at the last minute.

"We can only talk about our own horse and we're happy to take on whoever turns up.

"He's the first horse that I've had that has the ability that he has. We haven't got to the bottom of him yet," he added.

"He's very straightforward, which is massive when you get into these big festivals, you know he isn't going to boil over and give the race away because he's too nervous about things. He never turns a hair.

"Touch wood, he seems to have the full package and it's our job to keep him sound."

Marine Nationale will face five rivals, including the winner of the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase - Gordon Elliott 's Found A Fifty. Willie Mullins is represented by three runners, including Supreme Novices' Hurdle second Facile Vega.