Connections of Avant Tout are “optimistic” about his chances in the Shannon Airport Novice Chase at Limerick on St Stephen’s Day.

The winner of a handicap hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in the spring, the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old swiftly made an impressive start to his career over fences at Tramore before being given a summer break.

He steps up to Grade Two company on his return to action and is joined by stable companion Outlander as the champion trainer bids to land a prize he has previously claimed with dual Cheltenham Festival winner and Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs (2011), among others.

Steve Massey, racing manager for Avant Tout’s owners the Supreme Horse Racing Club, said: “He’s in really good order and we’re looking forward to getting him started in what is a quality race.

“It’s great to have Danny (Mullins) on board again after winning on him at Punchestown.

“He was really good on his first run over fences at Tramore and Willie is really happy with him.

“The ground won’t be ideal — we think he’ll be a better horse on better ground in the spring — but we need to get him going somewhere.

“We’re optimistic he’ll run really well.”

David Mullins takes the ride on Outlander, who made his mark as a novice hurdler last season and looked the part on his chasing debut at Punchestown in November.

Gordon Elliott’s Punchestown runner-up Free Expression reopposes having since finished third behind stablemate No More Heroes in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse.

“Barry (Geraghty) said the ground was as soft as he’d want at Fairyhouse and he got caught in a bit of a pocket but that’s as good as he was on the day,” said Elliott.

Pat Shanahan’s King Of The Picts and the Willie Austin-trained mare Emcon complete the small but select field.