Adrian McGuinness, trainer of the Pierse Hurdle market leader Victram, is putting his faith in Timmy Murphy to steer the horse to success in Sunday's big handicap at Leopardstown.

For most of his successful career on the flat, Victram has usually launched a late challenge, including when the tactic paid off in spades with victory in last year's Lincolnshire at the Curragh.

But a field that could well be the maximum 30-strong in this weekend's €130,000 highlight presents the potential for traffic problems, especially around the notoriously tight inside track at Leopardstown.

Co Dublin-based McGuinness, however, is not overly concerned at the prospect after booking Murphy for the ride.

"He doesn't have to be ridden very far back, especially over hurdles," the Lusk trainer said yesterday. "I know there is a worry in a big field like this, but I've got faith in the pilot. We've probably got the best man in the game for a job like this. I've sent Timmy videos of the horse's races so he will know the way he likes to be ridden."

Victram remains a 5 to 1 joint favourite with Escrea in the Paddy Power betting for the Pierse, with the JP McManus-owned No Where To Hyde next best at 7 to 1.

Arthur Moore, the most successful trainer in the history of the race under its various titles, will be represented this time by the 16 to 1 shot Bon Temps Rouler.

But yesterday Moore was playing down his chances of a remarkable seventh success in the first big pot of the year.

"My horse likes goodish ground and it looks like being way too soft for him," he said.

"He is in grand form and all the rest, but I'm certainly not going into the race with as much confidence as I have done in the past."

Moore first won the race in 1979 when it was known as the Sweeps Hurdle with the Ann Ferris-ridden Irian, and followed up with Fredcoteri (1983-84), Bonalma (1986), Roark (1988) and Graphic Equaliser in 1998.

Philip Carberry will again team up with Bon Temps Rouler, and the partnership will try to emulate a valuable success at Fairyhouse last March when they narrowly beat another Moore runner, Mansony.

Each way support for the Philip Rothwell-trained Loughanelteen continued yesterday despite his trainers' belief that he isn't good enough to win.

"We've got nothing to lose, but I wouldn't back the horse at 14 to 1 as I think it is a wide open Pierse," said Rothwell after booking Davy Russell for the ride.

"I don't think there is anything with a lot of quality and that's why I believe my horse has a small each-way chance. But I couldn't possibly say he has a winning chance, as I don't think he is good enough to win a Pierse. I do think he is back to his best and will run very well," he added.

The ground at Leopardstown was officially soft yesterday, but conditions could turn even more testing if the weather forecast is correct and up to 10mm of overnight rain has fallen by this morning.

"Up to 10mm is being forecast for the Dublin area. If we get that we might turn soft to heavy," said Leopardstown's racing manager Tom Burke.

"We are being told that it should be dry afterwards until Sunday morning."