Diamond Harry sparkling ahead of big date

Diamond Harry is reported to be in good shape as connections look to prepare the Hennessy hero for a tilt at the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Owners the Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership and trainer Nick Williams decided after his game Newbury success that it would be best to go straight for the blue riband prize in March.

They resisted the temptation of running him over Christmas in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown and all roads lead to Prestbury Park.

“He’s fine. We decided not to take him to the Lexus because of the weather conditions and it was a good call ultimately,” said Duffy.

“He goes well fresh and that will give him his best chance if he goes straight to the Gold Cup and Nick (Williams) can prepare him.”

However, Duffy could be represented by Diamond Brook at Cheltenham’s meeting on January 29.

The promising young chaser is unbeaten over fences in two starts at Exeter this term.

“We are looking for a race for Diamond Brook and he may go to Cheltenham at the end of January, so it’s all systems go,” he added.