All you need to know: key contenders and trainer views for the Irish Gold Cup

Unibet Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) | 3m, 5yo+ | RTE2/RTV

Ground fears for Road To Respect

Noel Meade issued an upbeat report about Road To Respect's well-being on Saturday but admitted he was concerned about ground conditions being too quick for last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup third.

The trainer, who bids for his first win in the race, said: "Everything has gone to plan since his run in the Savills Chase at Christmas when he was unlucky in running and did well to finish third.

"I couldn't be happier with him but the ground is definitely a worry. I'm hoping it won't be too quick for him."

A three-time Grade 1 winner, Road To Respect delivered an extraordinary performance in the Savills Chase, stumbling on the Flat twice before finishing strongly.

Pros Has developed into a genuine Grade 1 performer and has a big chance based on unlucky run over course and distance at Christmas

Cons Ground will not be ideal

Mullins has two shots at tenth success

With nine victories, Willie Mullins is the leading trainer in the Irish Gold Cup, although it is six year since Sir Des Champs' win in 2013.

Al Boum Photo, winner of the Savills Chase at Tramore on New Year's day, and Bellshill, winner of the Grade 1 Punchestown Gold Cup last season, represent the champion trainer this time.

Mullins said: "I thought Bellshill ran very well at Christmas. Ruby [Walsh] was very happy with him and with normal improvement he should have a very good chance.

"Al Boum Photo is going back up in trip and hopefully he's come forward from his first run of the season. The distance shouldn't be a problem and how he gets on will help tell us what route we'll take with him for the rest of the season."

Al Boum Photo pros Something of an unknown quantity at this level and trip but not out of it on official ratings

Cons Will need to have improved since Tramore win last month

Bellshill pros Grade 1 at Punchestown festival sent him down the Gold Cup route this season and made pleasing return at Christmas

Cons Might find ground on the quick side

The rest of the field . . .

Last year's runner-up Outlander and The Storyteller represent Gordon Elliott, who said: "Outlander doesn't always show what he's capable of but he's run very well at Leopardstown in the past and is in good form.

"The Storyteller ran well last time when he made a mistake at the last and he has won over the trip."

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