Meade keeping eye to the ground for Pando

Noel Meade will keep an eye on the ground before committing Pandorama to a run in Friday’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The eight-year-old has won four of his five starts over fences, but has not been seen in competitive action since winning Leopardstown’s Lexus Chase over Christmas having suffered a minor setback.

Meade is thrilled with his star turn’s condition but is slightly concerned conditions may become too fast at Prestbury Park.

“I certainly wouldn’t want it to be riding quicker than it is at the moment,” said the trainer.

“Simon Claisse (clerk of the course) says he will keep watering so hopefully that will keep the ground where it is at the moment.

“Pandorama is such an exciting horse to have, I’d hate to risk him on ground that was against him.

“If it did dry up too much we would have to think about taking him out, but if it’s good to soft I think he’ll run,” Meade told Racing UK.