Foildubh has options

Foildubh seen winning here at Tipperary from Scots Gaelic
(Healy Racing Photos)

Placed in a handful of Graded races as well as winning the Guinness Handicap Chase at the Punchestown Festival, the eight-year-old also holds an entry in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton.

He was always in touch when third on his most recent start behind top-notchers Flemenstar and Big Zeb in the Fortria Chase at Navan.

"I thought about running him in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham - Al Ferof won it carrying 11st 8lb and we would have been 'well-in' off a mark of 146," said Ryan, who trains in Templemore, County Tipperary

He will probably go for the Grade Two at Cork, although it could be heavy ground and there's the danger of running against the likes of Big Zeb again.

"He prefers better ground and I think there's a good handicap in him, so I might look at the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham, otherwise there's the King George and the two-mile race at Leopardstown after Christmas."