Djakadam© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins is confident Djakadam has what it takes to make his presence felt in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.
With just five starts over fences under his belt, the six-year-old is clearly lacking in the experience department in comparison to the hardened chasers he will meet in the blue riband on March 13.
However, the champion trainer was blown away by his youngster's superb weight-carrying performance in last month's Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park and feels he more than merits his place in the field.
Djakadam is set to be joined by stable companions Boston Bob and last year's short-head runner-up On His Own in the Gold Cup line-up.
Mullins said: "Djakadam was very good in the Thyestes and if you look at the last performances of our three horses, his looks the best.
"It is only handicap form but, to me, with top weight, it was a Gold Cup performance.
"On His Own jumps a bit to the right, which is not good, but he has so much stamina and we know what the Gold Cup is all about - stamina and jumping.
"If it's like last year's race, I'm hoping he'll be there.
"Boston Bob disappointed in the Hennessy at Leopardstown the other day, but I think we'll go for the Gold Cup with him as well.
"It does look an open race."
