Trainer Willie Mullins will declare Conor O'Dwyer as the jockey on Florida Pearl in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup tomorrow.
The ride became available when Adrian Maguire, who won the King George VI Chase on the horse on St Stephen’s day, was ruled out after suffering neck injuries in a fall at Warwick on Saturday.
When asked who was going to ride Florida Pearl Mullins told Channel 4 Racing: "At the moment Conor is favourite. I'm just holding on until the last moment in case Ruby Walsh or Paul Carberry become available but the word is their horses are going to run so Conor is favourite.
"I'll be declaring Conor when I declare the horse and unless there is a late change Conor will ride him."
Florida Pearl is reported in good form by Mullins and is currently a general 10-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
O'Dwyer has already tasted success in chasing's blue riband event having guided Imperial Call to victory in 1996.