Michael Darcy has struck up a good rapport with the improving chaser but an untimely suspension has ruled him out of the feature event, meaning big-race specialist Robbie Power will step in for the mount.

“Novices have a good record in the race and he’s going the right way,” said Torrens.

“He’s had plenty of experience anyway, and touch wood he has always jumped very well.

“I’m going to Fairyhouse later to have a look at the ground but as far as I know everybody is saying they have done a good job of watering it.

“It’s an Irish National so they’ll be making a big effort to make sure it’s safe.

“As long as it is on the safe side I think he’ll be fine because all his work has been done on the all-weather at Dundalk.

“Michael Darcy would have ridden him but he’s suspended so we’ve got Robbie Power instead, and he’s not a bad substitute. It’s unfortunate for Darcy but that’s life.”

Eoin Griffin is quietly confident The Last Derby has all the attributes to run a big race.

Only 2lb higher that when winning a valuable chase at Ascot two seasons ago, he was third on unsuitably heavy ground in the Cork National when last seen in October.

Tom Doyle will ride the seven-year-old for the first time.

“He’ll definitely appreciate the nice ground and he’s run well fresh in the past,” said Griffin.

“He’s been prepared specifically for this race and I don’t think the lack of a run is a worry, so there’s a lot of positives.

“You need a lot of luck in running in a race like this but hopefully he’ll run a good race.

“His run at Cork last time on ground he hated was very good. He didn’t appreciate it at all and it told over the last couple of jumps where he made a couple of horrendous mistakes.

“That put paid to his chances but he wasn’t beaten that far.

“That was his first run over a trip like that but he appeared to be crying out for it.

“Tom hasn’t ridden him before but he’s very straightforward so that’s not an issue.”