The two-mile feature will be run on the inside track at Leopardstown, and with 27 runners in the field, luck in running is vital. In situations like this, there is no better man than McCoy to have on your side, although it should be pointed out that Timmy Murphy, who rides the likely favourite Victram, is equally cool in a finish.

No Where To Hyde has been the subject of strong market support this week, and advertised his claims by finishing third to Feathard Lady in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse on his most recent start.

Escrea, from the Paul Nolan stable, occupied the fourth spot on that occasion, and she went on to frank the form with a smooth win over today's course and distance in late December. Escrea has been penalised 9lb for that victory, but such was the ease of the manner of her success, she can be expected to confirm placings here with Studmaster and Kilbeggan Lad, who finished second and third behind her at Christmas.

The Ado McGuinnesstrained Victram was a muchimproved performer on the flat last season, winning the Irish Lincoln, and he is reported to have pleased his handler in a work-out on the Curragh gallops on Wednesday. He booked his place in today's line-up by finishing third in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Sandown in early December, only weakening in the closing stages.

The weights are headed by the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Cherub, and he is the sole English challenger. Arthur Moore, however, is the trainer with the Midas touch when it comes to this race, and he has won it six times since 1979.

Interestingly, he has just the one runner in Bon Temps Rouler, who was successful in the Menolly Homes Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse last Easter. Ignore him at your peril.

Michael O'Brien, who won the Pierse Hurdle last year with Essex, is another trainer with a good strike rate, and he is represented by both Barati and Levitator. Jockey Barry Geraghty, who was aboard Essex in 2005, has opted to ride the latter.

Ruby Walsh, meanwhile, remains loyal to the 2002 winner Adamant Approach, one of two runners in the race for Willie Mullins, along with the lightly-weighted Inch Island.