Hopes have a Catch

The Co Tipperary trainer sent out Tranquil Sea to become the first Irish-trained winner of the valuable handicap chase for 29 years last November.

Catch Me warmed up for his big engagement with a third behind Captain Cee Bee in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas last month, which Tranquil Sea won before being triumphant at Cheltenham last.

"Catch Me came out of the Naas race well and we're happy with him," said O'Grady, "but I thought that the race was uncompetitive and inconclusive.

"There were only four runners and it just wasn't anything as good as last year. Of course the winner is a very decent horse, it was just the way that the race was run.

"I feel that (Catch Me) has retained his ability and I am hoping to see it on Saturday or sometime soon.

"At this stage of his career, he is probably a similar type to Tranquil Sea, but it was difficult to be confident after the trial.

"I think we have to be no more than hopeful rather than confident going into the Paddy Power, I suppose simply because the trial was inconclusive."

Paddy Power Gold Cup, sponsors bet: 100/30 Long Run, 4/1 Great Endeavour, 6/1 Sunnyhillboy, 8/1 Catch Me, 10/1 Mad Max, 12/1 Poquelin, 16/1 Little Josh, Pigeon Island, Tchico Polos, 20/1 bar.