Dorans dilemma

Richard Dunwoody is preparing to wrestle with a difficult decision over whether he will ride Florida Pearl or Dorans Pride in Leopardstown's Ericsson Chase - but says it is a nice problem to have.

Dunwoody is the regular partner of both Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders who will clash for the first time on December 28th after Dorans Pride was confirmed a definite runner in the Ericsson.

The former champion jockey yesterday said he will make a decision next week but either Willie Mullins or Michael Hourigan will invariably end up disappointed.

"It won't be easy but in one way it is a very good problem to have. Both are top class horses. For the moment I will leave things as they are but the first people to know will be the connections. I will try and make the earliest possible decision to be fair to both sides," Dunwoody said.

He added: "It will not be an easy choice. Florida Pearl hasn't run this season while Dorans Pride has had his races. Dorans Pride will also be a lot better in the Ericsson than he was at Punchestown.

"No reflection on Imperial Call but I don't think he will beat Dorans Pride again. Imperial Call was a very fit horse, Dorans Pride wasn't fully wound up and didn't jump well but on the positive side still got within a length and a half of Imperial Call."

Michael Hourigan is not yet making any contingency plans for Dorans Pride should Dunwoody choose to ride Florida Pearl at Leopardstown.

"The horse is in A1 form and he will be trained for the Ericsson. The jockey situation is not really my problem. I will deal with it when I get to it but I'm sure there will be loads of lads bursting to ride him," Hourigan said yesterday.

Dorans Pride's old rival Danoli is a doubtful starter in the Ericsson, however.

Danoli has an infection in his off-hind fetlock and trainer Tom Foley said: "It will be a race against time to get Danoli ready for Leopardstown."

As for Imperial Call, his trainer Raymond Hurley commented yesterday: "The Ericsson looks a hot contest and I haven't really decided to run Imperial Call in it. I'm keeping my options open."