Runaway Downpatrick bumper winner and impressive Clonmel scorer Listen Dear test the water in Grade Three company in Friday's European Breeders Fund Lough Construction Ltd. Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Willie Mullins-trained point-to-point graduate opened her account under Rules with a stunning all-the-way success in the summer and although she let down odds-on backers on her next couple of appearances, she made a fine start to career over obstacles at Clonmel in early September.

Listen Dear steps up in class for her latest assignment and connections are hopeful she can follow in the hoofprints of unbeaten stable companion Morning Run, who claimed this prize 12 months ago.

Steve Massey, racing manager for the owners the Supreme Horse Racing Club, said: " Not many mares win a bumper by 37 lengths and she won her maiden hurdle by 18 lengths.

"She is a bit keen in her races, but I think we've found the key to her now and she's a progressive, improving mare.

"It's a Grade Three, so it's not going to be easy. There are plenty of others in there that are unexposed, but we're very hopeful of a good run.

"If we can get some black type with her that would be fantastic."

The Supreme Horse Racing Club have a number of talented mares with which to go to war this season and Massey is keeping his fingers crossed at least one can earn themselves a shot at the inaugural mares' novice hurdle at next year's Cheltenham Festival.

He said: " The programme for mares is so much better now and it's great to have the new novice hurdle at Cheltenham.

"It would be nice to think Listen Dear can progress enough to be considered for that, but she'll have to do well on Friday if she's going to be on the boat."

Listen Dear will be partnered by Ruby Walsh for the first time as she faces seven opponents over the minimum distance.

Her biggest rival appears to be Dragon Fei who is rated 92 on the Flat and could not have done much more on her hurdling bow at Tipperary three weeks ago. Dancing Meadows is a major contender for Gordon Elliott after a good run in defeat at Cheltenham last weekend, while Patrick Mooney saddles emphatic Fairyhouse handicap winner Colla Pier

The consistent Rock On Rosie Wild Fern Rathmuck Native and Mouskersize complete the line-up.