Meade plans for his stars Road To Riches remains on course to defend his crown in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over the festive period. The eight-year-old has perhaps become the forgotten horse of a formidable team of staying chasers for owners Gigginstown House Stud, but trainer Noel Meade could not be happier with his stable star. Third in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup, Road To Riches dominated his rivals on his seasonal reappearance in last month's Clonmel Oil Chase and he is set to be one of three Gigginstown-owned Lexus challengers along with Willie Mullins-trained pair of Don Poli and Sir Des Champs. Meade said: "I'm pretty sure he's heading for the Lexus. That's the plan as far as I know, anyway. "The other (Gigginstown) horses wouldn't stop me going and I'm very happy with my horse. "He was good in Clonmel and he's been in good form since, so we'll see what happens." The County Meath-based trainer also provided updates on two other high-class chasers in Apache Stronghold and Wounded Warrior, neither of whom have been seen in action since the spring. "Wounded Warrior is in the Lexus, but I doubt he'd run," said Meade. "He's back in full work now and I'm happy with him, but I'm not sure he's ready enough to start off over Christmas. He could good there for a run, but I wouldn't have thought he will. "Apache Stronghold is in the Lexus and the King George and is back in work as well, but I don't think Christmas is a possibility for him either. "I got held up with him and I just don't think he's ready to start off yet." Having missed a recent engagement at Navan after suffering a minor setback, exciting youngster Disko is being prepared for the Lawlor's Hotel Novice Hurdle at Naas on January 3.
