Classy entry for Fairyhouse showpiece
The 10-year-old is one of six, out of a total 74-strong entry, from the Noel Meade stable. His half-dozen also includes The Bunny Boiler, winner of this race two years ago.
There are two other previous winners in the list Davids Lad (2001), an intended runner in Saturday's Martell Cognac Grand National, and last year's hero Timbera.
Also among the entries for the €180,000 Easter Monday spectacle is the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Native Emperor, winner of the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, along with stable companions Joss Naylor and Mini Sensation.
The latter is owned by JP McManus, who has five entered, while Willie Mullins, seeking his first success in the race, has a similar number among the entry list including Cheltenham's Royal & SunAlliance scorer Rule Supreme.
O'Neill said: "Mini Sensation is most likely to run of the three but he would need a cut in the ground."
Meade said however that Harbour Pilot was being aimed at the Punchestown Festival at the end of April.
Timbera, a shock withdrawal yesterday from the Martell Cognac Grand National is a possibility for the race. Trainer Dessie Hughes said: "The horse has a lung infection but some react quickly to antibiotics so I wouldn't entirely rule him out."
Ferdy Murphy has entered two Granit D'Estruval and Dominikus and said he could have a runner.
Native Jack's trainer Arthur Moore said: "This has been a lucky race for our family and Native Jack, who has been given 10st 5lb could represent the stable."
Of the 18-strong British entry, Tote Eider winner Tyneandthyneagain and Peter Marsh scorer Artic Jack also figure prominently. Both are in Saturday's Grand National.
