Aitmatov retains plenty of zest for racing and he sets a high standard in the Go Racing In Kildare Hurdle at Punchestown on Tuesday.

Noel Meade's eight-year-old was pulled out of the Thurles race won by stable companion Silverhand last week but had previously got closest to Donnas Palm in the Tipperary Hurdle and a clear round should really see him home.

Leblon is rated 22lb lower on official ratings but is still the most likely to benefit if Aitmatov fluffs his lines, although there wouldn't be too much to separate her from Ireland's Call and Jigalo, who complete the field.

Perfect Smile hasn't been seen since falling when odds-on to beat Blackstairmountain at this circuit in January, and Meade has chosen the opening Dobbins Catering At Punchestown Maiden Hurdle (2.15) as his point of return.

Lean Times and Mickelson give the County Meath handler further chances of glory in the Madigans Bars At Punchestown Maiden Hurdle and Punchestown INH Flat Race respectively, while the former's jockey Paul Carberry teams up with Island Oscar in the Tote Sports Lounge Novice Hurdle.

Paul Roche's six-year-old has won his last two over obstacles, most recently at Ffos Las, and he beat the reopposing Far Away So Close at Killarney, although Hazeymm and Baracas won't go down without a fight.

Carberry then teams up with the Gordon Elliott-trained Thistimesforgood in the Punchestown Active Retirement Days Handicap Hurdle and he shaped with promise on his return to jumps here recently.

But Turner Brown arrives at the top of his game, having gained a deserved success at Downpatrick, and Sox's Girl and Lightening Sky should be on the premises as well.

A big field goes to post for the 2011 Five Day Festival Handicap Hurdle and luck in running will play a big part in the outcome, but Giant Sequoia has hit the crossbar the last twice and his turn is surely imminent.