Petite Parisienne (maroon)© Photo Healy Racing
Bryan Cooper believes Petite Parisienne has a "live chance" in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
The Willie Mullins-trained mare burst on to the scene by beating better-fancied stablemate Kalkir in the Grade One Spring Juvenile Hurdle.
Cooper felt there was no fluke about the result and hopes she can follow the path the ill-fated Our Conor trod before his scintillating win two years ago.
Gigginstown's retained rider also took plenty of hope from Valseur Lido s narrow defeat in the Flogas Novice Chase, while he feels First Lieutenant could be Grand National-bound.
Speaking on his Racing FX blog, Cooper said: "I was delighted with Petite Parisienne at Leopardstown on Sunday. She did it really well and was getting all the allowances, which was a help.
"The last three winners of the Triumph ran in this race, including Our Conor, who I rode two years ago when winning both races. I'm looking forward to Cheltenham with her and she'll go with a live chance.
"Valseur Lido ran well in the Flogas and he pleased me on his first start since November. Apache Stronghold had had another run since and I'd have no worries about taking him on again. In terms of Cheltenham, that'll be up to Willie, but Sunday's trip (two-five) seemed perfect for him and I see no reason to go up or down at this stage.
"First Lieutenant is getting on a bit now and he'll probably go for the Crabbie's Grand National. It's always a lottery, but he jumps well and he has a good chance of staying the trip now he's older.
"Roi Des Francs won well at Clonmel on Tuesday and he's a lovely horse, definitely a chaser in the making. He beat some useful horses and I'd say he might be one for the handicaps at Cheltenham rather than the novice events."
