Irish duo in Paddy Power Trainers Tony Martin and Edward O'Grady carry the hopes of Ireland as they bid to end a 29-year-old drought in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday. Bright Highway was the last Irish-trained winner back in 1980 for Michael O'Brien, who retired last week. Both O'Grady's Tranquil Sea and Northern Alliance from Martin's County Meath yard are prominent in the betting, however Martin's confidence has been dampened with concerns about the soft going. "I would say the ground has gone a little against him, he doesn't want it too soft. But I'm happy with the horse, he's in good form," said Martin. "He ran well in the Jewson last year. Despite the ground hopefully he'll still run well." Andrew McNamara gets the leg-up on O'Grady's Grade One-winning hurdler Tranquil Sea as the jockey bids to follow up his big-race victory on The Listener at Down Royal last weekend. "He did it very nicely at Naas last time and I think that was a good preparation for a race like this," he said. "He's gone up 8lb for it but I suppose he deserved it. "Hopefully he's going there with a very good chance." 2005 winner Our Vic heads the weights. David Pipe's veteran ran only three times last season but had won the Ryanair Chase the season before, as well as beating Kauto Star at Aintree. Stablemate I'm So Lucky will also represent Pond House. Paul Nicholls has declared all three of his entries, Tatenen, Poquelin and Chapoturgeon, who will be ridden by Timmy Murphy. Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has a great record in the race, runs Knowhere and Ballyfitz while Tom George will be looking for a better performance from Tartak after his disappointing show at Aintree. Alan King's Tarotino, Nicky Henderson's My Petra and Andy Turnell's Bible Lord are also there. Howard Johnson's Akilak was taken out at the 48-hour stage enabling Keith Goldsworthy's Hold Em to gain a place in the line-up.
