Jessica Harrington's seven-year-old was a dual Grade One winner during his novice campaign and while he has failed to bridge the gap against the best hurdlers around so far this season, he has run some superb races in defeat.

He beat all bar Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January and was not disgraced in finishing sixth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on his latest appearance.

"He seems in good form and we're stepping him back up to two and a half miles, which should suit," said Harrington.

"It won't be easy, as he's got to give weight away to some good horses. I'm happy with him at home, so we'll let him take his chance and see how we get on."

McManus Hope

One of his major rivals is Jonjo O'Neill's British raider Get Me Out Of Here.

The JP McManus-owned eight-year-old has filled the runner-up spot on his last three starts and McManus' racing manager Frank Berry is hoping for a change of luck.

"The conditions of this race suit him quite well and he always runs a blinder," said Berry.