Silver Concorde leads Blair Perrone over the last© Photo Healy Racing
The last two Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Lord Windermere and Bobs Worth lock horns in a mouthwatering Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
Lord Windermere gave trainer Jim Culloty a day he will never forget in the blue riband last March and returned with an excellent effort for third in the John Durkan over an inadequate distance.
Bobs Worth hasn't quite dominated the staying chase division as some expected he would following his Gold Cup triumph in 2013, but he did win this event 12 months ago.
Add into the mix multiple Grade One winner Boston Bob, who was ahead of Lord Windermere at Punchestown, plus up-and-coming stars Road To Riches and Sam Winner, and the stage is set for a fascinating showdown.
The Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle also carries Grade One status and Zaidpour, who hit the deck in the Hatton's Grace last time, is back to defend his crown.
Ruby Walsh prefers him to stable companion Briar Hill, who hasn't been seen since crashing out of the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham last spring.
Walsh performed wonders to stay aboard Un Atout on his fencing bow at Punchestown and Bryan Cooper is in the saddle when Mullins' lightly-raced six-year-old takes on the similarly promising Le Vent D'Antan in the Ballymaloe Original Country Relish Beginners Chase.
Cooper again sports the Gigginstown House Stud colours on surprise Fairyhouse bumper scorer Identity Thief, with trainer Henry de Bromhead sending him over obstacles in the opening At The Races Maiden Hurdle at 12.20.
The Tony Martin-trained Dara Tango has been a model of consistency since returning from a spell on the sidelines, although he must concede weight to 21 opponents in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).
Martin will also have high hopes for Shemshal in the Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle, while the Thornton's Recycling INH Flat Race was claimed by Champion Bumper hero Silver Concorde last year so is a race to watch with a view to the future.
