We are well used to trainers going on and on about how well some animals in their care will run in big races that are imminent, but when D-day arrives one almost has to send out a search party to check what happened to the thoroughbred in question.

Optimism is one thing, but in the struggle against the odds-layers, an element of realism matters much more to punters seeking crumbs of information.

Trainer Nick Williams chatted yesterday about one of his inmates, Maljimar, whom he concedes needs to improve on all known form to date to make his presence felt in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The eight-year-old was very impressive when taking a Grade Three event at Prestbury Park in January but then unseated his rider on his only subsequent start at Newbury.

As regards Maljimar's fitness, Williams could not be happier, but now comes the down side in that the trainer admits his boy faces a stiff task at the weekend off a mark 13lb higher than that he scored off earlier this year.

"He was flying from two out when he won at Cheltenham in January, but he does need to build on that for a race like the Paddy Power as that race wasn't anything like as strong," said Williams. "The two races he ran at Newbury last season just didn't work for him. I don't think it's his track.

"He ran a terrific race to finish second to Knowhere at Cheltenham first time out last season and 50 yards from the post I didn't think we could get beaten.

"We're really happy with him at the moment and Daryl Jacob has given him a spin round the field, popping him over a few jumps and he was very good. There are no worries about the going as good to soft or soft ground is ideal, and his racing weight is perfect and we go there with a sporting chance."

Set to travel across the Irish Sea for the Paddy Power is Reisk Superman, who will be representing Tony Martin's stable. A 33-1 chance in some places, the 10-year-old has not run since unseating Ruby Walsh when bidding for a second success in five days at the Galway Festival.

"He's been good since Galway, we're happy with him. The ground here is what has held us up," said Martin. "He doesn't want it bottomless, but I think conditions there should be okay."

Finally, Tom Mullins will check on the availability of Davy Russell before committing Made In Taipan to an engagement at Cheltenham at the weekend.

The gelding, a winner at Navan last Saturday, is in the Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase on Friday and another novices' chase on Sunday. "He's very well," said the trainer. "I would like Davy Russell to ride him and I know that he could on Friday."