Connections of Nichols Canyon feel he does not get the credit he deserves as he goes in search of an eighth Grade One win in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Winner of the race 12 months ago following a titanic battle with Identity Thief, the six-year-old was an easy victor of the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown last time out.
"He won this race last year and was very impressive in the Morgiana," said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, Willie.
"He's an exceptional horse - so tough - and he's won so many Grade Ones.
"I'm not sure he gets the recognition he deserves. Maybe that's because he hasn't won at Cheltenham yet, who knows.
"He's just a very brave, tough horse. He's not very big, a bit like Hurricane Fly in that respect, but, just like him, he tries his heart out every time."
Mullins also runs the four-year-old Footpad (above), already a Grade One winner in France and Ireland.
"He won a Grade One over course and distance last season when Danny (Mullins) rode him," said Mullins jnr.
"I'm just not sure what that juvenile from last year is worth.
"I know Apple's Jade won the Hatton's Grace but that was over two and a half (miles) and the two-milers have struggled.
"Footpad will have to step up to trouble Nichols Canyon."
Petit Mouchoir goes in another Grade One after having missed a gilt-edged opening in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, when he travelled powerfully but fell at the third-last.
Bryan Cooper rides for Henry de Bromhead.
"This has been his aim since Newcastle," Cooper told At The Races.
"It was terrible he came down because I thought he would have won.
"I know Apple's Jade was in the race but I was on the right one that day.
"With Apple's Jade winning the Hatton's Grace, the form had a boost and he'll like the ground.
"I know he's got 11lb to find with Nichols Canyon but if we want to go down the Champion Hurdle route he's got to be going close to winning."
The JP McManus-owned pair of Ivanovich Gorbatov (Joseph O'Brien) and Jer's Girl (Gavin Cromwell) complete the field.
Coney Island (above) broke his duck over fences in sensational fashion in the Drinmore and goes for his second Grade One success in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.
Eddie Harty's charge takes on a host of former top hurdlers bidding to make their mark in this sphere, including Bellshill, Prince Of Scars, Alpha Des Obeaux and Martello Tower.
Mullins' Let's Dance wasn't far short of the very best juveniles last term and got a Listed win under her belt on her comeback at Punchestown.
She now steps up a level for the Willis Towers Watson EBF Mares Hurdle and has most to fear from stable companion Daisy's Gift and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Slowmotion, both of whom revert from fences.
Top bumper performer Battleford was most disappointing on his timber bow at Navan but the experience won't be lost on him as he takes in the Guinness Maiden Hurdle.
The Conker Club tries to add to her recent Thurles victory in the opening Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase (12.20), while First To Boogie gave trainer Madeleine Tylicki her first winner and teams up with Ruby Walsh for the Top Oil EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle.
Watch live coverage of Day 4 of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival on RTÉ2 from 1pm
