Trainer Willie Mullins believes Sir Des Champs' love of Cheltenham will stand him in good stead when he runs in the Betfred Gold Cup next month.
Sir Des Champs has a 100% record at the Prestbury Park track with victories at the last two Festivals in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle in 2011 and the Jewson Novices' Chase last season.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding enhanced his claims for Gold Cup glory when getting the better of Flemenstar in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown earlier this month.
"He worked on Saturday and worked well. Emmet Mullins rode him. He normally rides him in all his fast work," Mullins told At The Races.
"The one good thing about Sir Des Champs is that he's going back to a track that he loves - horses and courses and all that sort of thing."
Philip Hobbs believes Captain Chris is good each-way value for the Gold Cup.
Winner of the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot in November, Captain Chris was only beaten a neck by Long Run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton and was second to Cue Card in the Betfair Ascot Chase, despite a bad mistake at the second-last.
The Minehead handler told At The Races: "I think Captain Chris would have an each-way chance. He's a very big price at 20-1. He would be suited by good ground if we get it."
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