Unaccompanied is pleasing connections ahead of a tilt at the €80,000 Grade 1 AES Champion 4YO Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday, May 7.

The Dermot Weld-trained filly warmed up for her assignment with an impressive victory in the Listed Alleged Stakes at the Curragh, following on from her fine second in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Owned and bred by Moyglare Stud Farm, Unaccompanied also holds an entry in the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes on the Flat at Naas on May 11 but connections are favouring a trip to the Punchestown Festival.

Moyglare Stud Manager Stan Cosgrove revealed today: "Unaccompanied will be going to Punchestown, providing the ground is right. If the ground is on top she will not be running.

"She is in great order but wants give in the ground. She could have done with it being softer in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

"The filly was great at the Curragh last time and won easily. Yesterday, I didn't see it myself, but she schooled and apparently jumped like a stag - at the end she gave a buck and a kick, so she's happy and in good form."

Unaccompanied faces high-class opposition, including Triumph Hurdle third Grandouet, trained by Nicky Henderson, and the Alan King-trained Kumbeshwar, who was second to Zarkandar in the Grade 1 Anniversary 4-Y-O Hurdle at Aintree last time.

Others of note among the entries include the Arthur Moore-trained What A Charm, who defeated Kumbeshwar to land the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Third Intention from the Colin Tizzard yard and the Edward O'Grady-trained pair Sailor's Warn and Rigidity.

Meanwhile staff at Punchestown are working hard to ensure that the ground conditions attract the very best calibre of runners.

Richie Galway, Racing Manager at Punchestown, said: "We have had a very favourable spring for track preparation which means grass covering and growth has been better than ever and the track is in excellent condition.

"The ground is currently good and due to the settled forecast watering has commenced to maintain the current going.

"Our plan is to provide good, safe National Hunt ground for the duration of the Festival. We have the facilities and infrastructure to allow us to water extensively and will do so if the forecast dictates."