Trainer Willie Mullins has revealed that defending Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Al Boum Photo is in ideal shape ahead of looking to make it back-to-back wins in the race next month.
The eight-year-old has won seven of his last 15 races and had a run out at Tramore on New Year's Day.
"We've had no trouble with him this season, so fingers crossed everything stays right between now and the Gold Cup," the Carlow handler said at his stable tour today.
"We will take him away somewhere to school - we were just discussing that this morning. We'll take him wherever we can get in, just for a day away rather than a hard piece of work.
"I thought last year's Gold Cup was very tough and I don't think this year looks any tougher.
"He's in great form anyway and I think his preparation will be good for him - he's going there in good order and in a good frame of mind. I think he has a fantastic chance."
Mullins also revealed that jockey Paul Townend is again likely to be on board Al Boum Photo for the blue ribband event of the Cheltenham Festival:
"I would assume Paul is going to ride him again. The final bits of work will probably dictate that. He's won over the track and everything. If I was Paul, I'd find it very hard to get off him."
