Hedgehunter Passes Fitz Test

Mick Fitzgerald believes Hedgehunter has a real chance of claiming at least a place in next week's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Fitzgerald partnered last year's John Smith's Grand National hero in a workout after racing at Leopardstown last Sunday and was impressed with the horse's performance.

'He felt absolutely fantastic. He's a very decent horse and he proved that when finishing second in the Irish Hennessy,' he told At The Races.

'I couldn't help but be impressed with him. He showed plenty of zest and jumped brilliantly.

'I think in an open year, this horse has a real live each-way chance ? definitely on the way he worked the other day.

'He was very strong at the end which is what you look for if you're riding in a piece of work like that.'

? PA Sport