Alexander Banquet will attempt to maintain his unbeaten record in the Avonmore Waterford Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Willie Mullins' five-year-old won both his National Hunt Flat races last season including the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival and has landed his two starts over hurdles this term over 20 and 16 furlongs.

"At the moment he is a runner at Fairyhouse and Ruby Walsh will ride," said Mullins. "We are quite pleased with him over hurdles so far. He seems to be taking them well and looks an exciting prospect."

Stable companion Florida Pearl, also unbeaten having won two bumpers and three novice chases including the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Festival in March, delighted connections in a schooling session over hurdles at Punchestown yesterday morning.

"I was very pleased with him," said Mullins. "It's the first time he's been out of a canter since the summer. He just ran round with some others and jumped a few hurdles really well.

"The horse has pulled out in great form this morning and his target remains the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown (December 28th)."

Spirit Dancer one of Ireland's most exciting newcomers to steeple-chasing will miss the Chiquita Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse.

A disappointed trainer Ger Lyons said yesterday: "Spirit Dancer had a stone bruise and although he is fit and well now, he missed a week's work and I won't be able to run him on Sunday."

Spirit Dancer is now likely to go for a race at Cork on Saturday week.