Gold Cup favourite Florida Pearl sailed effortlessly through his pre-festival workout at Leopardstown yesterday and trainer Willie Mullins declared the horse "spot on" for Cheltenham.
Florida Pearl jumped eight fences behind his Arkle Trophy-bound stable mate Native-Darrig with the novices Moscow Express and Feathered Leader behind them.
Florida Pearl got slightly close to the third but was immaculate at the rest of the fences and pleased jockey Richard Dunwoody.
"It was a nice bit of work. I sat off Native-Darrig because we didn't want to wind Florida Pearl up and he settled well. I moved on him in the straight and he pinged the last," said Dunwoody.
Watched by a considerable crowd who stayed after racing, Florida Pearl jumped one warm up fence before carrying Dunwoody easily through the rest of workout.
"It was a lovely bit of work. He shortened and lengthened when Richard wanted. I think he is spot on now. It was good to get a nice day out for him without having a race," said Mullins.
"He'll have a couple of bits of work at home and then wind down for Cheltenham but the work is done. Fingers crossed he will be OK," he added.
Adrian Maguire will be carrying "Ireland" around Cheltenham next week after being appointed a Tourism Sporting Ambassador yesterday by Bord Failte.
Dr James McDaid, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, announced the appointment at Leopardstown yesterday and said that Maguire is the ideal candidate to promote Irish racing to a British audience.
