Denis Hogan reports stable stalwart Inis Meain on course for the Glenfarclas Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The 11-year-old has proven a terrific servant for connections, winning twice at Listed level on the Flat, and has been running with credit in novice chase company this winter.
He has already had a taste of the cross-country course at Prestbury Park, finishing sixth in handicap company in November, and Hogan expects him to improve for that experience on Wednesday week.
"I think Inis Meain will run in the cross-country. He had a nice run around there in November and got a good education from it," said the County Tipperary handler.
"It's just a pity it's not a handicap this time as in a conditions race he's probably wrong at the weights a little bit.
"He's in great nick, though, and I think the trip will bring out the best in him."
Stablemate Moyhenna is unlikely to take up her engagement in the Trull House Stud Mares Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on Thursday week.
The daughter of Westerner has won a bumper and a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on her two most recent outings, but Hogan may wait for the Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle at Limerick on March 18 unless conditions became testing at Cheltenham.
"She's in the mares' novice at Cheltenham but is more likely to go to Limerick on St Patrick's weekend for a two-mile-six race on softer ground," said Hogan.
"Unless it came up very heavy at Cheltenham - if that happened she'd be entitled to go, but only if it was proper heavy."