Leading Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup fancy Florida Pearl has been back in exercise this weekend after suffering stiffness in his shoulders following his impressive victory in last Sunday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup.
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old easily disposed of Dorans Pride by five and a half lengths at Leopardstown to earn a quote of 11-2 for the Gold Cup from William Hill.
'He just needed three or four days rest and he seems fine now,' Mullins said this morning.
'He has been ridden out this weekend and we'll probably ride him out again tomorrow.'
Florida Pearl holds an entry in Saturday's Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase but Mullins said: 'His Ascot entry will not be confirmed.
'I was very pleased with him at Leopardstown and don't intend giving him another run before the Gold Cup. We'll just keep him ticking over and prepare him for Cheltenham.'
Mullins is hoping to mount a strong challenge on next month's Cheltenham Festival.
He said: 'I've got three definitely going for the bumper (Mullins won the race with Wither Or Which in 1996, Florida Pearl 1997 and Alexander Banquet 1998) - Adamant Approach, Tuesday and Bally Amber.
'The bookies seem to think Adamant Approach is the best (4-1 favourite with Coral) but we'll have to see.
'If General Cloney runs well at either Gowran or Naas later this month then he'll go for the Triumph Hurdle.'
Balla Sola finished second in last year's Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle and the trainer added: 'Balla Sola is in the Champion Hurdle. He ran very well in the Triumph last year but hasn't shown that form this time although he has been in good form at home.'
