Connections of Road to Riches believe fellow Irish challenger Carlingford Lough could be the one to beat in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Noel Meade-trained Road to Riches is considered one of the main hopes for the raiding party after his impressive victory in the Lexus Chase over Christmas.

But Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for his owners, Gigginstown Hose Stud, is wary of the threat posed by Carlingford Lough, who will be Tony McCoy's last ride in the Gold Cup.

Trained by John Kie y and owned by JP McManus, the nine-year-old excelled at Leopardstown last month when he claimed the Irish Hennessy by three-quarters of a length.

O'Leary told the Guardian: "Road To Riches is a nice horse who goes with a chance, but if you ask me who the right horse is for a Gold Cup, I'd be all over JP's horse."