Hedgehunter passes Fitz test

Mick Fitzgerald believes Hedgehunter has a real chance of claiming at least a place in next week’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Fitzgerald partnered last year’s John Smith’s Grand National hero in a workout after racing at Leopardstown last Sunday and was impressed with the horse’s performance.

“He felt absolutely fantastic. He’s a very decent horse and he proved that when finishing second in the Irish Hennessy,” he told At The Races.

“I couldn’t help but be impressed with him. He showed plenty of zest and jumped brilliantly.

“I think in an open year, this horse has a real live each-way chance - definitely on the way he worked the other day.

“He was very strong at the end which is what you look for if you’re riding in a piece of work like that.”

The 10-year-old is as low as 14-1 with Coral for Gold Cup glory while L’Ami, whom Fitzgerald has also ridden, is a 9-1 chance with William Hill.

L’Ami was last seen when finishing a close second to stablemate Innox at Sandown.

“He’s improving all the time and it was a great performance by him in the Racing Post Chase giving so much weight away,” he told At The Races.

“You would have to say he’s a real live contender in what is a very open year.”

“I think he’s got the quality as he was fourth in the SunAlliance last year and ran a very good second in the Hennessy as well as second in the Racing Post Chase and a very good fourth in the King George.

“Francois Doumen is a past master, he’s won the race before, he says the horse is in good form and I think he could be right.”