Nichols Canyon attempts to confirm himself as the new star of the three-mile scene in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.
A multiple Grade One winner at two miles, with a couple of Morgiana Hurdles and a defeat of Faugheen on his CV, Willie Mullins successfully stepped him up in distance in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Lil Rockerfeller was a gallant second on that occasion and takes him on again, as do Unowhatimeanharry, Snow Falcon, Clondaw Warrior and Shaneshill.
Sutton Place faces his acid test, while One Track Mind is back to defend his crown, and an intriguing contender is Footpad, who tests his stamina following an honourable fourth in the Champion Hurdle.
Mullins is responsible for a third of the field in the other Grade One on the card, the Ryanair Novice Chase, but his primary hope is undoubtedly Great Field.
The six-year-old has been an exciting addition to this sphere but won't be able to get away with mistakes like the ones he made at Leopardstown and Thurles against opponents of the calibre of Ball D'Arc.
Don't Touch It was no match for Great Field at Leopardstown, and again had to settle for the runner-up spot subsequently, but he gets the opportunity for revenge on his latest conqueror Hurricane Ben in the pigsback.com Nick Coen Memorial Handicap Chase.
Tully East, Alan Fleming's Cheltenham Festival hero, is also in the line-up.
Cantlow had to settle for third when favourite for the cross-country race at Prestbury Park and now seeks to go one better than he did 12 months ago in the Friends First Cross Country Chase For The La Touche Cup.< Fridaynightlights will complete a hat-trick in the space of less than two weeks if he can land the opening JLT Handicap Hurdle (3.40), while Kate Appleby Shoes and Younevercall are also on three-timers in the Shamrock Enterprises Handicap Hurdle.
Barra, placed at Cheltenham and in a Fairyhouse Grade One, is the one to beat in the Alanna Homes Mares Novice Hurdle.
