The selection appeared not to last out the trip on his latest outing when fourth to Snowy Morning at Gowran Park, but the two miles of this contest should suit and his fifth placing behind Schindlers Hunt at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting is beginning to read well.

Davy Russell's mount looks to hold all the aces, despite the fact that the Oliver Bradytrained Baron De Feypo has a fine record at Naas and his recent form, most recently last month's win over Snowy Morning, is rock solid.

Dunguaire Lad, meanwhile, seems to have improved with every run on his last three starts, culminating in a convincing win over Washington Lad at Navan. He seems to be on the upgrade, while So Many Questions also warrants consideration on the strength of his pleasing debut over fences last time. Don't Be Bitin is still preferred.

John Oxx is a trainer more readily associated with the flat, and Icklingham, a listed scorer on the level, is the only NH horse he has in training.

The seven-year-old renews Leopardstown rivalry with Joe Crowley's Cheltenham bumper fourth Hairy Molly in the Barretstown Maiden Hurdle.

Both horses were making their hurdling debut when they clashed a fortnight ago and Hairy Molly got the better of exchanges in finishing third, in front of the fourthplaced Icklingham. The latter runs here in preference to the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown and will be suited by the step up in trip, but the vote goes to Hairy Molly.