Round Two between Limestone Lad and Ned Kelly will take place at Fairyhouse tomorrow as the pretenders to Istabraq's Champion Hurdle title slug it out for the Hatton's Grace Hurdle.

It will be the centrepiece of a star-studded line-up that also includes Macs Gildoran's second fencing start in the Drinmore Chase, as well as the exciting Like-A-Butterfly, who is almost certain to start favourite for the Royal Bond Hurdle.

However, it's the Hatton's Grace that has attracted the best of the rest of Irish hurdling with Tony McCoy travelling from Britain for the ride on top mare Liss A Paoraigh. The race also includes the Galway Hurdle winner, Ansar, as well as the top stayer Bannow Bay.

Liss A Paoraigh already has a win over Limestone Lad to her credit but the bookies could have it right by judging tomorrow's race to be between the 1999 Hatton's Grace winner, Limestone Lad, and the young pretender, Ned Kelly.

The bare form of their Morgiana clash at Punchestown indicates the initiative should be with the older horse. He beat Ned Kelly by half a length, is 3lb better off this time and is racing over a trip that is ideal.

If Limestone Lad is at that level again, he will prove the acid test to Ned Kelly's Champion Hurdle claims. The Edward O'Grady-trained horse looked all over the winner at Punchestown but folded in the closing stages. O'Grady defended Norman Williamson's ride, saying Ned Kelly simply blew up, and is quietly confident of reversing the form.

The advantage that Limestone Lad, Liss A Paoraigh et al are presumed to have is with the trip. However, although Ned Kelly has never run beyond two miles before, he is a half brother to Nick Dundee and could now be battle-hardened enough.