Nicky Richards is keeping his fingers crossed Simply Ned can take advantage of a drop in grade in the Paddy Power Over 260 Shops Nationwide Chase at Naas on Sunday.
The nine-year-old has been set some difficult tasks since making a successful reappearance in a Kelso handicap in early October.
He finished fourth to Sprinter Sacre at Cheltenham and second to Flemenstar at Leopardstown, after which he found Un De Sceaux too hot to handle at Ascot.
Richards sees the Grade Two event as a good opportunity for his star chaser to get back on the winning trail.
He said: "It looks like a race he can be competitive in and he seems in great form.
"He's been running against the big boys and struggling a bit, so it will be good to give him a chance."
Simply Ned faces six rivals in the two-mile contest, with Brian Harding make the journey to Ireland for the ride.
Gordon Elliott saddles recent Clonmel scorer Bright New Dawn and potential Grand National contender Cause Of Causes, while Henry de Bromhead is represented by Days Hotel, who won this prize in 2013 and 2014.
The Willie Mullins-trained Twinlight, Jerry Cosgrave's stable star Mount Colah and rank outsider Glenwood For Ever complete the line-up.
Meanwhile, trainer Jessica Harrington is looking forward to seeing impressive Leopardstown scorer Don't Touch It step up in grade for the Paddy Power Shops Better Value Novice Hurdle.
Six of the eight runners in the Grade Two field have won their latest starts, but the performance of this JP McManus-owned six-year-old on Irish Champion Hurdle day was arguably the most taking.
Harrington said: "Don't Touch It won his maiden hurdle well but this is a big step up in class.
"When he won at Leopardstown the ground was heavy, but I think he'll be better on better ground.
"I'll think about Fairyhouse and Punchestown but will take it race by race with him for now.
"I think he could be very good."
Willie Mullins has saddled three of the last five winners and relies upon Au Quart De Tour, a maiden hurdle winner at Gowran last month.
Jockey Ruby Walsh is fearful of Harrington's inmate.
He told the Irish Examiner: "He (Au Quart De Tour) fell the first day, with the race at his mercy, but won nicely at Gowran Park last time.
"He has to improve again to win what is a much better race, and might want a bit further, but he is in very good order at home and should go well.
"Don't Touch It looks the one to beat. He looked a fair horse at Leopardstown last time, and we have to respect his chance."
