Walsh hoping Djakadam can improve

Ruby Walsh feels Djakadam needs to improve "three or four lengths" to go one better than the last two renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Beaten by Coneygree and Don Cossack for the last two seasons, he won the John Durkan on his return but could finish only fourth in the Lexus.

Despite the last two winner being absent through injury and retirement respectively, the imposing figure of Thistlecrack, among others, now stands in his way.

"He probably needs to be better than he was last year, he beats Don Poli nine or 10 lengths and was no match for Don Cossack," Walsh told Racing UK.

"He'll need to be three or four lengths better than that to win a Gold Cup but I think Don Cossack was a very good winner and so was Coneygree.

"His form is rock solid. I was a little disappointed at Christmas (Lexus) but it was coming a bit quick after his first run in the John Durkan.

"I think Willie (Mullins) is going straight to Cheltenham, he's been placed in it twice, it's been done before and I have to think he can do it."