Klassical Dream takes a leap towards the 2022 Cheltenham Festival in the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park on Thursday.
The 2019 Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner returned from almost a year and a half on the sidelines with a superb display on his first start over three miles at Punchestown last spring.
And having got the better of Stayers' Hurdle winner Flooring Porter at Leopardstown last month, the Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is favourite to take the Stayers' Hurdle at Prestbury Park in March.
Klassical Dream must first negotiate Thursday's Grade 2 test, however, where he will have to concede weight all round under Paul Townend.
"I'm definitely looking forward to riding him. Every day you get a leg up on something that is favourite for Cheltenham is exciting," said the champion jockey.
"He backed up his run in Punchestown in Leopardstown the last day, and more of that would be nice."
A significant threat to Klassical Dream looks to be Peter Fahey's high-class mare Royal Kahala.
She too is gearing up for Cheltenham, where the Mares' Hurdle is her target.
The daughter of Flemensfirth was last seen beating Cheltenham winner Heaven Help Us to Grade 3 honours over Christmas and Fahey is well aware she has more to contend with at Gowran.
He said: "We wanted to get another run into her (before Cheltenham) and the step up in trip will probably be no harm to her either.
"It's a very competitive race, but she's in great form and hopefully she'll run well.
"Willie's horse won't be easy to beat, but if she can finish second it would be a great run for her.
"The timing of the race is perfect as she can then go straight to Cheltenham. Hopefully she runs well and jumps well."
Other contenders include Gentlemansgame, trained by Mouse Morris, and last year's Grand National third Any Second Now from Ted Walsh's yard.
