Nicky Richards is slightly bemused as to why Money Trix is not favourite with the bookmakers for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The 10-year-old has always been held in high regard by the Greystoke handler and justified his trainer's faith with a terrific second-place finish in the Lexus Chase over course and distance last time.
Cooldine and Joncol were both behind Money Trix that day, but are shorter in the betting for this weekend's clash.
Richards said: "He's ready to go. I'm very happy with him at the moment and we'll take any more rain that comes. He likes it heavy, but he'll handle it fine if it's just genuine soft ground.
"He's not favourite, but that doesn't bother me. I suppose they just think I'm a small-time trainer from the north of England. If he was trained by Paul Nicholls he'd certainly be favourite, but we know what we're doing.
"Davy (Russell) rides him again and he knows the horse now, so that should be more in our favour."
There are eight entries for the Grade One contest, with Cooldine currently the well-supported favourite, despite being pulled up in the Lexus on what was his first start of the season.
His trainer Willie Mullins said: "He was just a bit under the weather after the last day. We treated him at home and he is much better now, he has worked and schooled well. I'm very happy with him."
Mullins has also left in Lexus seventh J'y Vole, while Joncol (third), Notre Pere (fourth), Schindlers Hunt (fifth) and In Compliance (pulled up) all featured in the same race. The only entry not to have taken part in the Lexus is the Tom Mullins-trained Made In Taipan.
Dunguib could face up to eight rivals as he bids to maintain his unbeaten record in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle on the same card, while the likes of Roberto Goldback, Cousin Vinny, Nicanor, Zaarito and Weapon's Amnesty have been entered in the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase.
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