Far from turning into a damp squib, Sunday's John Durkan Memorial Chase is now emerging as a major Gold Cup trial after both Florida Pearl and Native Upmanship were yesterday described as likely runners.
Another bow was also added to the Punchestown highlight by Michael Hourigan's change of heart and the prolific veteran Dorans Pride is now also described as an intended runner.
The major change of heart, however, surrounds Florida Pearl who had been reported an unlikely runner. Trainer Willie Mullins said yesterday: "I'm hoping to run the horse at Punchestown and I would imagine it's more than 50-50 in favour of him doing that. It's certainly more probable than it was at the weekend."
Florida Pearl is currently the shortest priced Irish Gold Cup hope at 10 to 1 with Paddy Power after being placed in the event for the last two years and Mullins added: "We won't make our minds up until Thursday but he's in good form and chances are he'll run in the Durkan."
Arthur Moore has confirmed Native Upmanship a definite Durkan runner and will instead run Lyreen Wonder (Barry Cash) in the £80,000 Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday. Moore could also have a weekend runner at Haydock in Glenelly Gale who he describes as a possible runner in the Henry VII Chase.
After overnight discussions with the horse's owner, Hourigan is set on giving his stable star another weekend outing. "As things stand the horse will run. If he's as well on Friday as he is now he certainly will run," Hourigan said.
To Your Honour is another with a Durkan entry but that horse is more likely to take his chance in the re-scheduled Hilly Way Chase on the same card.
In addition to Lyreen Wonder, other Irish horses attempting to supply a first Irish Tripleprint winner at Cheltenham for 29 years are likely to be Hill Society and Go Roger Go whose trainer Edward O'Grady said: "Subject to travel being alright he is a runner."
The other Irish interest at Cheltenham will centre on Youlneverwalkalone's Bula Hurdle bid. Cashmans yesterday reported substantial interest in the Christy Roche-trained horse.
The Turf Club have announced an additional fixture for Thurles on Saturday, December 16th. And following an inspection of the track yesterday, the steeplechase races at Clonmel on Friday have been abandoned. The remaining races will be divided to produce a six-race card.
