Noel Meade could not be happier with the small but select string of horses he is preparing to send to the Cheltenham Festival in a little over a week's time.

Leading Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Road To Riches is the headline act in a squad that also includes JLT Novices' Chase hope Apache Stronghold

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned pair of Very Wood and Wounded Warrior are likely to be split up, with one heading for the RSA Chase and the other lining up in the four-mile National Hunt Chase. Snow Falcon is an outsider for one of the novice hurdles and Ned Buntline is considered a major player in the Grand Annual, having filled the runner-up spot in the same race 12 months ago.

Meade said: " I think I have them in great form. We're very happy with them. They seem to be bouncing and in good shape.

"We'll do the real serious bits of work next week then we'll pull the hammer back on the gun and see what happens.

"I'll probably have six or seven going. There is Road To Riches, Apache Stronghold, Very Wood, Wounded Warrior, Ned Buntline and Snow Falcon.

"Ipsos Du Berlais will also run in the cross country, while Waxies Dargle and Couleur France could go."