Troytown winner Tout Est Permis set for Ryanair date if ground is on soft side
The progressive chaser looks likely to take on the middle-distance Grade 1 rather than the Cheltenham Gold Cup
NOEL MEADE is likely to send star chaser Tout Est Permis to the Ryanair Chase rather than the Cheltenham Gold Cup - provided the ground is soft.
The Gigginstown Stud-owned six-year-old was last seen winning a Grade 2 at Thurles over a two-and-a-half-miles.
Despite the son of Linda's Lad demonstrating he has no issues with staying longer trips when an impressive winner of the Troytown, connections are favouring a tilt at the shorter distance of the Ryanair.
The race, sponsored by Gigginstown boss Michael O'Leary's airline company, has been a happy stomping ground for the maroon and white silks in recent years.
Balko Des Flos was a very impressive winner of the contest last year, while Road To Riches and Valseur Lido were both placed behind Vautour back in 2016.
With Gigginstown's proven Gold Cup contender Road To Respect on track for the big one, the road is clear for Tout Est Permis to have a crack at the Ryanair - provided conditions are right.
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Trainer Noel Meade said: "Tout Est Permis is in good form since Thurles.
"Eddie (O'Leary, racing manager) is quite keen that he'd run in the Ryanair if everything goes well and the ground is soft.
"The handicapper put him up another 7lb, so he's going the right way."