Murphy lands plum ride on Victram
Trainer Adrian McGuinness reports the horse in fine form on the gallops at home and it is all systems go ahead of one of the most competitive races of the season at the Dublin track.
"The Pierse is the plan and he's in great form," said McGuinness. "He does his final piece of work tomorrow.
"He worked very, very well last week and he also went well when we worked him after racing on New Year's Day at Fairyhouse.
"We have booked Timmy Murphy for Sunday. He's not ridden him before but I have sent him DVDs of his last five or six races and he's already had a look at Sandown.
"We are delighted to get him as Victram's regular jockey Andrew Lynch broke his arm last Saturday morning."
There are still 36 horses engaged in the race following the five-day declaration stage and McGuinness had been concerned that his six-year-old could struggle to get in at the weights.
"We were very worried we wouldn't get in but I've had a call through on Tuesday morning telling me we're definitely in so that's a relief," McGuinness continued.
Victram crossed the Irish Sea for his last run in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle last month when he finished third to Verasi after looking the winner at the last.
"He was third at Sandown last time but it was really very heavy ground, I would have said just raceable, so he ran a cracking race," added the trainer. "Although he has won on soft and heavy that was too heavy for him and the hill really took it's toll he will be better on a flat track.
"If he runs very, very well he might go for the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury and then we would be looking at Cheltenham or the Irish Lincoln, which he won last year."
Escrea is another leading light and has crept up the weights since winning at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Trainer Paul Nolan believes the mare faces a tough task, and said: "She will take her chance on Sunday but I thought it was a bit harsh of the handicapper to put her up 9lb for winning by three lengths," he said.
One horse that could have a hand in Escrea's fate is the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Cherub, who is the only British entry.
"If Jonjo decides not to bring his over, the weights could go up which would make our chances even harder but the horse is very well," he added.
The County Wexford handler confirmed claimer Robbie Morran, who partnered the mare to her last win, would retain the ride. "Robbie is very good for his 5lb and I wouldn't go down the route of trying to get a 7lb claimer on board," said Nolan.
"Sirius Storm is also very well and he will take his chance on Sunday too and he wouldn't be out of the reckoning."
Meanwhile Alan King confirmed that stable star Crystal D'Ainay is likely to take his chance in the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.
The seven-year-old finished fourth in the Welsh National at Chepstow on only his second try over the larger obstacles in Britain and King believes he has the potential to be as good over fences as is over hurdles.
"I wouldn't rule him out of the World Hurdle at this stage but he is going to Warwick for the Classic on Saturday and we will see how he gets on there before making any firm plans," King told At The Races.
The Barbury Castle handler also stated his intention to switch the French-bred gelding between hurdles and fences to keep the horse interested in racing.
"I think it just keeps his mind on the job a bit more and stops him becoming bored," he added.
"He's very well at the moment though and I schooled him in a visor this morning and it seemed to have the desired effect.
"I need to discuss it with the owners but I hope to try him in one (a visor) on Saturday."
King's impressive Long Walk Hurdle winner My Way De Solzen could also try his luck in the World Hurdle, ground permitting.
"He's fine at the minute and he goes to Cheltenham on January 28 for the Cleeve Hurdle," said King.
"His season isn't really geared towards the World Hurdle though because his targets are dependant on the ground.
"We will just take it one race at a time with him."
