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Owner Barry Connell expects The Tullow Tank to put up a bold show in the Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday despite his low-key season so far.

The Tullow Tank was among the best novice hurdlers last season and while his chasing career got off to a good start, he then produced two lacklustre runs.

Sandra Hughes's seven-year-old shaped better in the Flogas Novice Chase when fourth behind Apache Stronghold, but he was forced to miss Cheltenham with a setback.

Connell said: " He had to miss Cheltenham because of a little issue, but he's over that now. He's been working very well of late and his jumping was much better last time he ran.

"Two miles and four furlongs at Fairyhouse should suit him, he's won over that trip there. We'll see how he goes, but I hope he'll run very well."

Willie Mullins decided not to run brilliant JLT Novices' Chase scorer Vautour, but he can still call upon the classy mare Gitane Du Berlais and Valseur Lido, both winners at the highest level.

Ruby Walsh rides Gitane Du Berlais, who has won her last three culminating in a hurdle race at Auteuil, with Paul Townend on Valseur Lido.

Noel Meade's Apache Stronghold, who has finished in front of Valseur Lido the last twice they have met, is another top-class novice lining up.

Gilgamboa looked the real deal earlier in the season, but Enda Bolger's charge could not live with Un De Sceaux in the Irish Arkle and was then surprisingly beaten by Rawnaq at Navan. He steps back up in trip.

Gilt Shadow has always been highly regarded by Stuart Crawford but his chasing career has yet to really get going, with the same comment applying to the Eoin Griffin-trained Azorian.

Henry de Bromhead's Smashing may find things easier, having taken on Un De Sceaux twice this season, while Tony Martin's Noble Emperor adds further intrigue to a fascinating contest.