Limestone Lad heads the weights for the 14th Ladbroke at Leopardstown on January 8th. James Bowe's charge, who has taken the scalps of Istabraq and Le Coudray on his last two starts, is set to carry 12st, with the Aidan O'Brien-trained Theatreworld next on 11st 2lb.

The sponsors have taken the view that the seven-year-old is unlikely to run, which would mean the weights would rise by 10lb, but connections stressed yesterday that no decision has been made on his participation.

The trainer's son Michael said: "Obviously I'd have to see the weights and entries, I haven't seen them yet, but we'll give it consideration.

"I don't think we have to make our mind up until the withdrawal stage on January 3rd. If he's not entered he can't run and we're just keeping our options open.

"I can't say one way or the other but it certainly hasn't been ruled out."

The winner of seven out of 10 starts last season, Limestone Lad has already won four his six outings this term.

"He's in terrific form - he's thriving on his racing," Bowe added.

"He amazes me more than anyone. I rode him out this morning and he was jumping out of his skin - he's on a high."

Ladbrokes make the Christy Roche-trained Afarad (9st), a comfortable winner at Navan last month, their 8 to 1 favourite for the IR£100,000 handicap.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Geos (9st 1lb), third to Copeland in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Sandown last time, is next best on 12 to 1 along with She's Our Mare (9st 7lb).

Last year's winner Archive Footage (9st 9lb) and Native Dara (8st 7lb) are available at 14 to 1.

Along with Geos, other British-trained horses among the 53 entries include Master Beveled (10st 4lb), Sharpical (9st 8lb), Top Cees (9st), Temper Lad (8st 2lb), What A Fuss (7st 2lb), Get The Point (7st) and Shoofk (7st).

BETTING: (Ladbrokes): 8-1 Afarad, 12-1 Geos, She's Our Mare, 14-1 Archive Footage, Native Dara, 16-1 Golden Rule, Its Time For A Win, Knife Edge, Owen Bart, Theatreworld, The Gatherer, Moving On Up, 20-1 Bar.