Dermot Weld today stressed that a decision on which race Stage Affair will bid for at next week's Cheltenham Festival will be left until the last possible moment.
Stage Affair, a former smart Flat performer who has taken well to hurdles this season and finished second to current champion Istabraq at Leopardstown last time, is entered in the Capel Cure Sharp Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Smurfit Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the meeting.
"I'll leave making a decision until very close to the day," Weld said. "The decision will be greatly influenced by the ground (Stage Affair prefers good ground).
"Both races are on Tuesday so I can leave a decision until as late as possible."
Stage Affair's build-up to the Festival has gone well and Weld added: "His preparation has been perfect - no problems."
The six-year-old is Ireland's first reserve for the Nakayama Grand Jump in Japan on April 15th but it is doubtful the gelding will be asked to take up the option should it arise.
"He is less than likely to go to Japan," the trainer said.
Weld will also run Moving On Up at the Festival.
"Moving On Up will go for the County Hurdle," he said. "He has 10st 2lb but I haven't made any riding arrangements yet because it depends on what Martin Pipe runs and if the weights go up.
"Moving On Up is a good horse and I'm expecting a good run."
