Florida is doubtful for Sunday

Doubts have arisen over Florida Pearl's participation in Sunday's John Durkan Chase following a disappointing workout at Willie Mullins's stables yesterday morning.

Florida Pearl's place in the line-up at Punchestown will now depend on a final piece of work, probably on Friday, but another lacklustre effort will see him ruled out.

"He didn't go well and he didn't please me," Mullins admitted of his twice Cheltenham Gold Cup-placed star. "He is an intended runner in the Durkan at the moment but we will have to see how he is later in the week."

The news follows on the heels of Macs Gildoran's under-par effort in the Sunday's Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse but Mullins doesn't believe there is some thing medically wrong with his powerful string.

"A blood test from Macs Gildoran was fairly all right and nothing has come to light to explain it. I'm mystified and all I can say is if you don't jump well in that company, you're not going to win. All the horses were placed at Fairyhouse without winning so there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with them," he said.

That view was reinforced by Alexander Banquet's impressive workout as the former Cheltenham festival winner continues his preparation for Leopardstown's Ericsson Chase over Christmas.

However, one horse who will definitely miss out on his usual Christmas date is Dorans Pride, who is recovering from injury at Michael Hourigan's Limerick yard.

"We had him scanned the other day and he is completely healed but it will be the New Year before he is out again. I suppose the Hennessy, with a run over hurdles beforehand, will be the plan with him but the important thing is we are happy with him now," Hourigan said.