Honeysuckle, State Man and Vauban all feature among six confirmations for Sunday's Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Honeysuckle met with the first defeat of her career last time out in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse, with the Willie Mullins-trained State Man ahead of her in the ante-post betting.
The latter has progressed from victory in last term’s County Hurdle to win two Grade Ones already this season, landing the Morgiana and Matheson Hurdles.
State Man held off his stablemate Vauban at Christmas and the champion trainer is happy for them both to meet again in an attempt to prevent a fourth successive victory for Henry de Bromhead’s mare.
Mullins said: "It’s going to be a hell of a race.
"Honeysuckle, I thought, ran very well (in the Hatton’s Grace). A lot of people castigated her for her run in Fairyhouse but I thought it was a great run against that class of horse. She’ll be hard to beat.
"We’ll be doing our best with State Man and Vauban, both ran crackers at Christmas.
"I keep saying he’s (Vauban) only five and he is, though it’s hard for those sort of horses to improve."
The Gordon Elliott duo of Pied Piper and Zanahiyr and Tom Mullins’ outsider Takarengo complete the list.
Only five remain in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase over two miles, where Mullins’ Blue Lord will aim to follow up his win at Christmas and cement his Champion Chase claims.
Sceau Royal, a rare British raider, Dunvegan, Gentleman De Mee and Fastorslow are also engaged.
There are nine left in the Tattersalls Ireland Novices Hurdle over two miles, in which Mullins has another enviable hand.
Facile Vega, Dark Raven, Gaelic Warrior and Il Etait Temps could all run for the champion trainer.
Elliott has American Mike and Irish Point to chose from while De Bromhead’s unbeaten Inthepocket, Joseph O’Brien’s one-time Derby favourite High Definition and Oliver McKiernan’s No Looking Back add further strength in depth.
The Ladbrokes Novice Chase over two miles and five furlongs has a competitive look to it with 13 left in.
Mullins holds another strong hand with El Fabiolo, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Glengouly, James Du Berlais and Kilcruit among his team, but Elliott should offer stern resistance with Gerri Colombe, Mighty Potter and Fil Dor still in.
Watch the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with coverage from 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
