Ned Kelly's status as the biggest threat to Istabraq in next March's Smurfit Champion Hurdle receives its greatest test to date when he takes on Limestone Lad at Punchestown this afternoon.

Also ranged against the 8 to 1 Champion Hurdle second favourite in the Morgiana Hurdle is Youlneverwalkalone, who is officially rated 7lb better than Ned Kelly, while Limestone Lad has 10lb in hand in theory.

It is a major test on the book but also one that will cause some serious concern to connections if Ned Kelly doesn't pass with flying colours.

Limestone Lad's preferred weekend option was a three-mile handicap tomorrow but the allotted 12-7 persuaded Michael Bowe to try and repeat his 1999 Morgiana success.

Youlneverwalkalone's campaign for the season will be determined by how he does today, but Christy Roche has already outlined a novice chase target at Naas next weekend if the decision is to go over fences.

Ned Kelly on the other hand is unbeaten in seven starts over flights and comes here on the back of an impressive 20-length victory at Down Royal eight days ago.

"He has come out of that race in superb shape and has worked very well since," said trainer Edward O'Grady, whose plan to give the rising star three races before Christmas should continue smoothly with the Hatton's Grace the next stop.

Moscow Flyer will try the Morgiana/Craddockstown Chase double completed by Limestone Lad last year when he has his third start over fences in the two-mile contest.

A debut fall was amply compensated for with a smooth win at Down Royal and the former top hurdler can continue his progress to the Arkle Trophy against the Plate winner Grimes, who will hardly be suited by the going.

Czar Of Peace was impressive when winning by nine lengths at Galway and looks good for the opener.

Latalomne earned a 25 to 1 quote for the Queen Mother Champion Chase after an 18-length win at Cheltenham yesterday.