Willie Mullins today confirmed that Florida Pearl has emerged fit and well from his win at Leopardstown yesterday and will now bid to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the fourth attempt.
The 12-year-old won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup for a record fourth time, but has yet to capture chasing's blue riband event.
He has had three tries, finishing third to See More Business in 1999, runner-up to Looks Like Trouble the following year and unplaced behind Best Mate two years ago.
"Everything's great with Florida Pearl. He pulled out of his box well this morning."
"The extra two furlongs of the Gold Cup have just been a bit too much for Florida Pearl, but we'll be there and we'll give it a shot," trainer Mullins said today.
Florida Pearl has won both his starts this winter after failing to score last campaign - his only winless season.
PA