Paul Nicholls: Couldn't be happier with Clan Des Obeaux ahead of Punchestown Gold Cup defence

Loves the track and will arrive in fine form

17:55 - Clan Des Obeaux

He is flying over to Ireland on Monday night and is in very good order as he seeks to land the Punchestown Gold Cup for the second year running.

This year's renewal looks a bit stronger with Willie Mullins running five including Al Boum Photo and Allaho who won the Ryanair and has to prove he stays three miles.

While it's a really competitive Grade 1 I couldn't be happier with Clan who bounced back to form at Aintree wearing blinkers for the first time.

He comes good in the spring, loves the track and enjoys going right handed.

Our horses are flying at the moment with 12 winners last week and provided Clan didn't have too hard a race at Aintree he should be up to the challenge. We are really looking forward to it.