Willie Mullins has virtually ruled out sending Florida Pearl to Sandown later this month for the Tote Gold Trophy, a chase over an extended three miles.

Following the cancellation of the Cheltenham Festival, events to replace the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, the Stayers' Hurdle and the Gold Cup will take place at the Esher track's Whitbread Gold Cup meeting on April 27th and 28th.

The Tote Gold Trophy, which takes place on the first day, has attracted 15 entries including the Francois Doumen-trained, Martell Cup winner First Gold.

Mullins said yesterday: "Florida Pearl is in great form and will also be entered at Fairyhouse on the Thursday for the Heineken Gold Cup and I would imagine that's what he would go for."

Doumen's impressive Aintree winner Bilboa is 7 to 4 favourite for the Coral Eurobet Championship Hurdle, which includes the Christy Roche-trained Grimes.