Harchibald set for Dundalk prep

Harchibald is set to complete his preparations for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle with a run at Dundalk on Friday night.

The enigmatic 10-year-old has been off the track since winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day due to his need for good ground.

His trainer Noel Meade has used the tactic of switching his charge to the all-weather on a number of occasions in the past, notably when he won the corresponding mile-and-a-half contest 12 months ago.

"I think he probably will run in Dundalk and then we will see what happens with the ground regarding Cheltenham after that," said Meade.

"He's fairly straight now but I think another run would have him very sharp for Cheltenham. It's worked well with him before so we will have to see."

Meade also had news of a number of other Festival candidates from his County Meath base, with a team workout planned for after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday.

"Jered will work after racing and we will probably work a few others as well and see where we go from there," Meade continued.

"Casey Jones could go to Cheltenham for the RSA Chase and Parsons Pistol might go in the four-miler."