Limestone Lad returns to the scene of his greatest triumph on Sunday.
A year ago the James Bowe-trained gelding inflicted defeat on the mighty Istabraq in the Hatton`s Grace Hurdle, one of eight victories in total last season.
And having already won four races over fences, the eight-year-old is set for his biggest task to date over the larger obstacles in the Pierse Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse.
Limestone Lad faces four rivals in the Grade One contest, Native Dara, Well Ridden, Sackville and Arctic Copper, the latter having the beating of him on a strict line through Sackville.
The owner-trainer`s son Michael said today: 'He`s in great form and I`m looking forward to the run.
'This race is the greatest challenge he has had over fences. He needs that and we need to find out where we are going to go with him over fences.
'Arctic Copper beat Sackville by seven or eight lengths and we only beat him by three so on the book we have got five lengths to make up - although anything can happen over fences.
'And Sackville is a top-class novice.'
Bowe hopes the gelding is in the same form as last year but warned that he does not expect him to reach his peak for another month.
'He`s a typical novice at this stage and is still on a learning curve.
'He`s taking a different approach to fences, he`s more careful and I`m worried that nothing will take him on because that`s what he wants.
'It was this day last year that we beat Istabraq and I`m just hoping that I have him in the same form.
'He was unbeatable that day - I don`t think there is a horse on this planet that could have beaten him.
'It`s been a bit more difficult with him going over fences as I`ve had to teach him to jump.
'I think he is still improving, I think he has improved since Punchestown.
'The plan is to get him to peak around Christmas and keep him at that peak through the spring to Cheltenham.
'I can`t wait for him to go back there.'
This year`s renewal of the Ballymore Properties Hatton`s Grace Hurdle has attracted a field of seven runners.
The Noel Meade-trained Sausalito Bay, winner of last season`s Supreme Novices` Hurdle at Cheltenham, is set to take part.
And he will meet Christy Roche`s Youlneverwalkalone - third behind Sausalito Bay when favourite for the Festival contest.
Among their rivals in the Grade One event will be Dorans Pride, winner of the Morris Oil Chase at Clonmel last Sunday for the fourth consecutive year.
The day`s other Grade One race is the Boyle Bookmakers Royal Bond Novice Hurdle where Martell Champion Bumper winner Quadco will face seven rivals as he attempts to follow up his maiden hurdle win at Cork last month.
