Jessica Harrington is happy to let beaten November Handicap favourite Modem make a quick reappearance in Friday's WKD Hurdle at Down Royal.
The talented dual-purpose performer has enjoyed a fine campaign in 2015, winning on the level at Killarney and Galway in July before successive victories over hurdles at Listowel and Punchestown.
He was back on the Flat for Leopardstown's end-of-season showpiece, but passed the post ninth after suffering interference and now reverts to the jumping game just five days later for this Grade Two event.
Harrington said: "He's got a chance.
"He didn't have much of a race last weekend. Nothing went right for him, but he stuck to his guns.
"He seems to have taken the race well and we'll take our chance and see what happens."
Noel Meade has saddled four of the last nine winners of the two-mile contest, striking gold with Iktitaf, Aitmatov and Jered between 2006 and 2008 before adding to his tally with Monksland in 2012.
This time around the Tu Va handler saddles Officieux, who was an impressive winner at Fairyhouse in January before finishing tailed off on his final start of last season in the Grade One Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.
"If he relaxes he'd have a good chance," said Meade.
"He can be a bit free, so I'm just hoping he settles and gives himself a chance.
"He just went off the boil at the end of last season. He came from France and that sometimes happens with them early on, but he seems in better form now."
Willie Mullins relies on smart filly Whiteout, while Identity Thief represents trainer Henry de Bromhead and leading owners Gigginstown House Stud.
Princely Conn, Finea and Queen Alphabet complete the line-up.
