Barry Geraghty believes Bobs Worth has a "good shout" as he bids to defend his crown in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup hero arrived at the final fence with every chance on his return to the Festival in March, but wandered on the run-in and passed the post a slightly disappointing fifth.

The Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old has not been seen since that defeat, but Geraghty reports his mount to be in fine fettle and the leading jockey believes the test Leopardstown presents brings out the best in him.

Geraghty said: "He goes there in good form. It will be a competitive race, but he must have a good shout. Going left-handed is a help and the better ground which he gets in Leopardstown suits him well. I schooled him last week, he jumped nicely and felt well, so fingers crossed."

Bobs Worth's part-owner, Malcolm Kimmins, is similarly hopeful of a bold show.

He said: "Nicky tells me he's in good form. He's been working well and schooling well and we always hoped we'd get him to the Lexus again.

"He was very impressive in the race last year and we're hoping he'll put up another good show on Sunday. There's some great racing over the next few days and it's just great to be involved."

Paul Nicholls has won the Lexus with Denman (2007), What A Friend (2009) and Tidal Bay (2012) in recent years and is represented by Sam Winner. The seven-year-old steps up in class after winning at Cheltenham and Aintree the last twice.

Nicholls said: "You just wouldn't know how much was in the locker with him as he always wins with his ears pricked and just does enough.

"At Aintree the track was totally wrong for him, but he's going for the Lexus now and we'll know more then. He's had a few issues and his owner Mrs Yeoman has been patient, but he's only a young horse really. He has loads of stamina."

Road To Riches has already enjoyed a profitable campaign having claimed the Galway Plate and the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Trainer Noel Meade is keeping his fingers crossed conditions at Leopardstown do not become too testing.

Meade said: "It's a good race, but he's in good form and he's there to take his chance. It looks like the ground might come up soft as we've had quite a bit of rain already. That won't be a help to him, but what can you do? He's fit and well and it's the obvious race for him."

Jim Culloty's Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Lord Windermere made a most encouraging return when third in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase earlier this month and will be suited by a return to three miles.

Willie Mullins runs John Durkan runner-up Boston Bob, as well as On His Own, who was so narrowly denied by Lord Windermere at Cheltenham in March.

John Kiely's Carlingford Lough makes his first appearance since winning a Grade One at Punchestown last spring, while First Lieutenant, Home Farm and Texas Jack complete the field.