Beef Or Salmon completed his preparation for Sunday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup with a school over hurdles today.
Ireland's top staying chaser bids to win Leopardstown's Grade One contest for the second time in three years on the way to a crack at the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.
"He's fine and jumped four hurdles this morning. He's in good form for Sunday," said his trainer Michael Hourigan.
The nine-year-old was an impressive winner of the Lexus Chase over this course and distance in December when slamming triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate by seven lengths.
Rule Supreme, who was disputing second place with Best Mate when falling at the final fence in that race, is also in the line-up.
His trainer Willie Mullins is under no illusion that Beef Or Salmon will be a tough nut to crack.
"He's done a couple of bits of work this week and we're hoping for the best," he said.
"He came out of the Lexus well. I think he would have been placed if he had stood up. A re-run of that performance should see him pick up some good prize money.
"Beef Or Salmon will be hard to beat but you never know. We'll be out there to win anyway."
Murphy's Cardinal is the only British raider among a field of seven after all the horses left in at the five-day stage stood their ground today.
Noel Chance had hoped to run Murphy's Cardinal in the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham last Saturday but thought it best to wait another week after the nine-year-old met with a setback.
"The Pillar Chase was the original plan but he wrapped a joint and missed three or four days work. You can't go in these championship races half-cock," he said.
"He's excellent and in fine shape. He left for Ireland this morning and it's great to be eating at the top table."
Edward O'Grady's Pizarro, who was left to take third spot in the Lexus, plus last Saturday's Pillar Chase fourth Cloudy Bays, Hersov and Jack High complete the line-up.