Connections of Sempre Medici admit they will be disappointed if he is beaten in the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on Saturday.
The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old saw off Identity Thief in a Grade Two at Fairyhouse last season and that rival has emerged as a leading two-mile hurdler this season, winning the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle.
On his return to action this season, he ran a blinder in the International at Cheltenham, pushing Old Guard all the way to the line but possibly ruining a potentially lenient handicap mark of 148 in the process.
With a rise to 156, Mullins now has the Grade Three in his sights.
"Sempre Medici ran very well at Cheltenham last time out," said Patrick Mullins.
"That was his first run over hurdles this season so you'd expect him to be able to improve for it.
"He's stepping up in trip, but Ruby and dad don't see that as being an issue at all.
"We think he's improved at home. He did a piece of work this week which was very good.
"We'd be disappointed if he gets beaten looking at the ratings."
Peter Fahey's veteran He'llberemembered and Aidan O'Brien's Plinth look the only feasible dangers.
