Last still on Hennessy trail

Last Instalment remains geared towards the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 9 despite coming out of his comeback run at Thurles "a bit flat".

An unbeaten novice who claimed the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase on the same card two years ago, he returned to action for the first time since that occasion when a fine third in the Kinloch Brae Chase on Thursday.

"He is a little bit flat this morning, but he is sound and that is the main thing. We have a bit of time to go yet so hopefully we'll get him to Leopardstown for the Hennessy," said trainer Philip Fenton.

Among the 15 entries for the Hennessy are First Lieutenant and Rubi Ball, who were second and third in last month's Lexus Chase and are set to reoppose.

Mouse Morris, who trains First Lieutenant, said: "It is a Grade One, he ran very well last month and this race is the plan. He looks great and is in super form."

Willie Mullins has entered Boston Bob and Rubi Ball, and he said: "Rubi Ball ran very well in the Lexus and he has come out of that race in good shape. It was his first time to run over fences for us and going left-handed and the soft ground seemed to suit him. He'll go for the Hennessy."

Paul Nicholls has put in both Tidal Bay and Rocky Creek, with no decisions made as to their participation yet.

Faugheen and Briar Hill are two of the eight Mullins options for the Deloitte Novice Hurdle, in which Fenton will run dual Grade One winner The Tullow Tank.

The County Tipperary handler said: "He has been in great form since he won at Christmas and he'll go for the Deloitte. After that we'll decide which race he'll run in at Cheltenham."

Carlingford Lough and Morning Assembly, first and second in the Topaz at the Christmas meeting, are entered for the Moriarty along with Defy Logic, Ballycasey and Don Cossack.

Morning Assembly's trainer Pat Fahy said: "We'll see a bit closer to the time and we entered him to give us the option. He seems to be in great form and he came out of his run at Christmas very well."

In the fourth Grade One on the day, the Gala Retail Juvenile Hurdle, Dessie Hughes is hoping Guitar Pete can follow the example of Our Conor last year.