Darwins Fox © Photo Healy Racing
Henry de Bromhead's Darwins Fox aims to lower the colours of Zaidpour in the Ladbrokes Ireland Lismullen Hurdle at Navan.
The Kahyasi gelding enjoyed a fine spring and summer campaign and connections feel he has earned a shot at a decent prize.
He was far from disgraced when chasing home Rebel Fitz in another Grade Two contest at Tipperary last month and is the only one of the four runners to have had a recent outing.
"He's had a super year and this is probably his last run before the spring," said De Bromhead.
"We said we'd dip our toes in and see how he gets on in a better class of race on softer ground.
"Anything he does is a bonus and we're hopeful of a nice run."
Multiple Grade One winner Zaidpour looks sure to start a short price in the two-and-a-half mile contest as he makes his return to action.
Willie Mullins' charge, who landed the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown last term, tends to run well fresh but did produce a few below-par efforts last season when sent off at skimpy odds.
The Charles Byrnes-trained Pittoni is a smart sort at his best but has to overcome a long absence. Noble Endeavor completes the field but is inexperienced and looks to have a lot to find on ratings.
