Racing: Trainer Michael Hourigan says Beef Or Salmon is in top form ahead of a tilt at next month's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
The 10-year-old won the three-mile contest in 2003 and will be given another chance to strengthen his Cheltenham Gold Cup claims by lining up at the Dublin venue on February 12th.
"He's in good form and, touch-wood, we've had no problems as all his muscular problems are now behind him," said Hourigan.
Beef Or Salmon is the 5-1 favourite with William Hill and Ladbrokes for the Gold Cup and Hourigan insists his charge is fitter than he has ever been ahead of his eagerly-awaited return to Prestbury Park in March.
"You are hoping every year could be your year but I've not had much luck with him in the past," the County Limerick handler added.
"With the fall he got the first year in the Gold Cup (in 2003), he certainly damaged a lot of muscles and he wasn't jumping the following year.
"Last year (when he was pulled up in the Gold Cup) he had a touch of a virus but this year I'm getting a clear run on the way to Cheltenham with him."
Martin Brassil will leave it late before deciding whether to run Nickname in the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The County Kildare trainer wants soft ground for the French import, who has created a big impression in his two outings over fences at Leopardstown.