The Grade 1 event provides Irish racegoers with their last opportunity to see Michael O'Leary's gelding in action before he heads to Cheltenham in defence of his Gold Cup crown and the bookmakers make him a shortpriced favourite to lift the prize.

While soft ground remains far from ideal for War Of Attrition, confidence within his camp remains high. His trainer is keen for the gelding to take his chance and said on Tuesday: "He'll be running regardless of conditions as long as everything is okay.

I'm delighted with the way things have gone with him so far."

War Of Attrition was no match for In Compliance in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown last time, and before that he was beaten into second place by his old adversary Beef Or Salmon in the James Nicholson Champion Chase at Down Royal in November.

While he is sure to have come on from the run, the same is true of Beef Or Salmon who warmed up for his Lexus engagement by winning a hurdle race at Fairyhouse last Saturday.

Remarkably, Michael Hourigan's charge is seeking the 10th Grade 1 win of his career, and he certainly seems to perform better at Leopardstown than anywhere else.

Hourigan remains equally bullish and said earlier this week: "I couldn't be happier with him, and it's all systems go for next week. I'd be very hopeful that he'll run a big race again."

Wednesday is Paddy Power day where the highlights are the Euro190,000 Paddy Power Chase and the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase featuring a rematch between Central House and Nickname. There is also the possibility of Foreman making the trip over from France to add spice to the challenge.

Punters will have been keeping a watchful eye on the ante-post betting market for the Paddy Power Chase in recent days. Ballinstraw was promoted to 9/1 favouritism, following his head victory over Vedelle at Punchestown, but the latest gamble has been centred on Sher Beau from the Philip Fenton stable.

The seven-year-old has been backed from 16/1 into joint favouritism.

Champion Hurdle winner Brave Inca sets the standard on Friday when he goes to post for the Grade 1 bewleyhotels. com December Festival Hurdle. His probable rivals are expected to include Newmill, Asian Maze and Noel Meade's Champion Hurdle pretender Iktitaf, the current favourite.