Carruthers ready for Gold Cup

Carruthers is on course for another crack at the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in two weeks' time following a pleasing workout.

The eight-year-old, bred and part-owned by Lord Oaksey, was fourth in the blue riband of steeplechasing last March and is reported to be in tip-top shape by trainer Mark Bradstock.

"He worked on Friday morning and we were really pleased with him," said Bradstock.

"Hopefully, you will see him in the Gold Cup. He ran a great race in it as year.

"It's drying up very quickly which would not be to our advantage, but we will see how we get on."

Carruthers, who was fourth to Silver By Nature in the Grand National at Haydock on his latest start, is as big as 80-1 to upset the big guns on March 18.

The Letcombe Bassett handler also plans to run Radetsky March in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on the same card.

The eight-year-old has been in fine form in 2011, winning two of his three starts and finishing second in the other.

"I was very pleased with his last run and I think he's got a little outside chance," added Bradstock.

"Both AP (McCoy) and Jason Maguire who have ridden him definitely think he will get three miles and I think it will help him."