Morris sure French Dynamite is 'ready to go' for Gold

Mouse Morris is no stranger to winning big pots and hopes to ink a thus-far elusive Paddy Power Gold Cup victory on his impressive CV, when saddling French Dynamite in Cheltenham's Saturday showpiece.

For all the Irish success at the Festival meeting, raiders from the Emerald Isle have not fared well in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase in recent times.

However, Grand National and Gold Cup-winning trainer Morris saddles a likely favourite as French Dynamite bids to become the first Irish-trained winner since Edward O'Grady's Tranquil Sea plundered the prize 13 years ago.

The seven-year-old has won two of five starts over fences and had a successful tune-up over hurdles on his seasonal bow at Thurles.

The Fethard handler feels he is more than capable of taking the step up in class.

"He's ready to go and this was the plan before he went to Thurles," said Morris. "It was a nice run over hurdles and we've been happy with him since.

"It will be his first time in a handicap, so to speak. He did finish third in Punchestown (in April) but that was a novice handicap (chase).

"It's probably a big ask, but he's got a bit of age now and we'll give it a go.

"He's rated 148, which I think is about right."

Ga Law, winner of the Rising Stars Novices' Chase at Wincanton two seasons ago, spearheads a strong challenge from the home guard.

Off the track following a runner-up effort in the Grade Two Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton in February last year, he made a promising return after 603 days off when finishing a close-up third to Riders Onthe Storm in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month.

Trainer Jamie Snowden is hoping the race does not come too soon for the six-year-old.

He said: "It is a big test. He was a very good novice a couple of