Trainer John Ryan is hopeful stable star Foildubh can secure his first victory of the year in the Malton Chase at Killarney.

The 10-year-old has been set some difficult tasks since his last triumph over hurdles at Thurles in late November, but was a creditable fifth in last week's Punchestown Gold Cup.

Although he takes a significant drop in class for this weekend's conditions chase, Foildubh still has plenty on his plate as he attempts to concede weight to the Mouse Morris-trained Baily Green

Ryan said: "He's in super form and will definitely run. He was too well to be turning out and is only coming to peak form now.

"Unfortunately he missed a good bit of the season and he needed the run in Fairyhouse (when third in the Normans Grove). I made a mistake running him against Un De Sceaux at Navan and paid the price.

"We possibly dropped him out a bit far in Punchestown, but Andrew (Lynch) gave him a lovely ride and if he hadn't made a mistake four out you wouldn't know what could have happened.

"The race conditions aren't ideal on Sunday as he has to give 7lb to Baily Green, but he's capable of doing it. He gave Rubi Ball weight and beat him fair and square over hurdles at Thurles. He's a good ground horse and always was. Even summer soft would be ideal for him."

Foildubh and Baily Green are the star names in a five-runner field. Mags Mullins saddles Down In Neworleans Lambro represents Dessie Hughes and Peter Fahey's Pride Of The Artic completes the line-up.