Irish hopeful of Pertemps success

Francis Flood admits P'Tit Fute has plenty on his plate under the burden of top weight in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Flood's eight-year-old has enjoyed a fine campaign this season, scoring four times in the last 12 months. He won with plenty in hand on his latest outing at Leopardstown, and Flood reports his charge to have arrived at the track in fine form.

'He's travelled well and eaten up well, but he does have plenty of weight. He seems in good form and it looks a worse race than the Coral Cup, which he could have run in,' said the Grangecon trainer.

'The lad (Mark Walsh) who rides him claims a bit of weight, which will help, and he knows the horse well. He won well the last day so hopefully he will have an each-way chance.'

The Paul Nolan-trained Maucaillou is another Irish raider with leading credentials, having already been placed twice at Prestbury Park this season.

He finished just eight lengths behind the very smart Fair Along over course and distance in December, and Nolan is now keeping his fingers crossed for some luck in running.

'He's fresh and well, so we are hoping for a good run. We ride him out the back to get the trip, and we just have to hope he takes the gaps when they appear,' said Nolan.

'His placing here in November was unexpected when he ran a cracker, and his run behind Fair Along is top form. It looks an open race but we do need luck in running and we are hoping for the best.'

Twenty-four runners are set to line up for the three-mile contest, with Don't Push It and Ballydub looking the pick of the home team.