The highlight of Down Royal's year gets under way on Friday, with the WKD Hurdle the main event on the first day of an excellent two-day fixture.
The star of the show could be Triumph Hurdle hero Tiger Roll, who returned with a victory at Cheltenham and attempts to confirm himself as a dark horse for the Champion Hurdle.
Taking him on are Willie Mullins' Arctic Fire and Wicklow Brave, with the bang in-form Little King Robin and dual Grade One winner Guitar Peter adding further spice to the mix.
Mullins' Morning Run goes for a five-timer in the EBF Lough Construction Ltd. Mares Novice Hurdle.
The five-year-old was prolific in bumpers and made a seamless transition to this discipline when outclassing 19 rivals at Tipperary.
She faces much tougher opposition this time, though, and Carrigmoorna Rock, Izzini and Melbourne Lady will all be tough nuts to crack.
Apache Stronghold was one of the better novice hurdlers last term and Noel Meade has chosen the Porter & Co, Beginners Chase as his first mission over the larger obstacles.
The Castletown handler should also have high hopes for Champoleon in the opening Eventsec Maiden Hurdle (1.05), because the grey made a very encouraging return to action when just touched off at Naas a couple of weeks ago.
Obispo backed up a Downpatrick success when going in with the minimum of fuss at Tipperary and he tries to defy a further 12lb rise in a competitive Robinson Services Handicap Chase, in which cases can be made for all eight runners.
If anything, the Allianz Handicap Hurdle is even more tricky, but there will be plenty who keep the faith with Tico following his costly Perth defeat.
Valerian Bridge has arguably looked the best of the early-season bumper performers but faces his stiffest test to date against Black Zambezi and Snow Falcon in the Archie Watson Memorial INH Flat Race.
