Russell thinks ground favours Trix Davy Russell believes the likely testing conditions will play to the strengths of Money Trix in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday. Russell rode the horse for the first time in the Lexus Chase over course and distance in December, where Nicky Richards' grey put up a career-best effort to finish a close second behind What A Friend. He faces many of the same rivals in Sunday's Grade One contest and Russell is hoping a similar performance will see his mount go one place better. "He ran a blinder in the Lexus and it's going to be another tough race on Sunday," said Russell. "We've had plenty of rain and I suppose with him the softer conditions the better as we know he stays well and he's not a speedy horse by any means. "We got on well together the last day and I don't think we'll do a whole lot different - the challenge is to get on as well again. "Obviously we finished ahead of Joncol and one or two others the last day an hopefully we can again, but you never know what can happen on a different day. "As long as Nicky is happy with him I'm happy and we'll see what happens." Jim Dreaper's Notre Pere needs to improve having finished fifth in the Lexus, but the trainer is pleased with his current condition. "I think he will do better than last time, but obviously he needs to," said Dreaper. "We know he'll handle the ground all right so hopefully he'll put up a good performance and that will tell us a bit more about where we're going with him." Seven runners go to post with Dessie Hughes represented by both In Compliance and Schindlers Hunt, while the Tom Mullins-trained Made In Taipan completes the field.
