Noel Meade not sure if Texas Jack will get the Hennessy distance

Texas Jack will tackle three miles for only the second time in his career in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Noel Meade’s eight-year-old finished a well beaten third on his only previous attempt at the distance in the 2012 Topaz Novice Chase at the Foxrock track, but has made significant progress since.

He was last seen winning the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles, defeating Baily Green and intended Hennessy starter Last Instalment, and Meade believes his charge has earned a crack at a major prize. He said: “He definitely runs. I don’t know if he’ll stay the trip but we are going to try anyway.

“It’s probably too heavy for him at the moment but we’ve made a decision to go and that’s what we’ll do.”

Ante-post continues to come for Tidal Bay (3/1 from 4/1), after Paul Nicholls confirmed the veteran a starter in the hands of Ruby Walsh. Coral believe the Graham Wylie-owned 2012 Lexus Chase victor could even start favourite.

Joining forces
Spokesman David Stevens said: "Punters have profited from the Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh partnership over the years, and with the old allies joining forces once again, and with Tidal Bay a proven Grade One winner at Leopardstown, the 13-year-old could well be sent off favourite on Sunday."

The Tullow Tank and Last Instalment impressed trainer Philip Fenton yesterday morning workout ahead of Sunday’s races. The former has won his last two starts at Grade One level and will aim to complete the hat-trick in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle. Last Instalment, a dual Grade One winner over fences as a novice a couple of seasons ago before spending almost two years on the sidelines, made an encouraging return to action at Thurles last month and is bound for the Hennessy.

Fenton said: “I’m very happy with both horses and they are both on track for Sunday. They both worked separately this morning over 10 furlongs with their own companions.”

Paddy Power make The Tullow Tank their 13/8 favourite for the Deloitte Novice Hurdle, with Last Instalment a 4/1 shot for the Hennessy.