Racing: Brave Inca will face seven rivals in defence of his AIG Europe Champion Hurdle crown at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Colm Murphy's nine-year-old got the better of the Jessica Harrington-trained Macs Joy in a thrilling battle 12 months ago and the pair lock horns again.
Brave Inca already has wins in the Hatton's Grace and December Festival Hurdle to his credit this term while Macs Joy has not run since getting the verdict over Brave Inca at Punchestown last April.
Harrington also runs the Grade One-winning novice Hide The Evidence.
Dual champion hurdler Hardy Eustace finished last of seven last year but he takes his chance again for trainer Dessie Hughes after finishing second to Detroit City at Cheltenham last time.
Noel Meade runs both Iktitaf, who beat Brave Inca in the Morgiana Hurdle earlier in the season, and Christmas Hurdle winner Jazz Messenger.
The ground has improved enough to allow Tom Mullins to run his stable star Asian Maze while the Eoin Griffin-trained Lounaos also takes her chance.
The four-year-old old filly will receive at least 14lb from each of her rivals because of weight-for-age and sex allowances.
Brave Inca is reportedly in top shape ahead of his repeat bid.
"I'm delighted with him. He feels good and he seems in great order," said Murphy. "He's come out of his last race in grand shape and I couldn't be happier with him.
"I was delighted with the way he travelled and jumped last time and I think he is further forward this year than he has ever been. The ground drying up a bit as well has to be in his favour."