Ruby Walsh admits he is still wrestling with the decision of whether to ride hot favourite Faugheen or previous dual winner Hurricane Fly in Tuesday's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Declarations for the feature event on the opening day are made on Sunday but with 24 hours to go, Walsh is yet to commit to a ride.
Walsh rode Hurricane Fly to Champion Hurdle glory in 2011 and 2013 as well as partnering Faugheen to victories at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals last term, and he is still deliberating his options.
He told the Irish Examiner: "From the time Hurricane Fly confirmed his well-being by winning the Morgiana Hurdle, it became likely that I would have a decision to make. Faugheen has done everything that has been asked of him in the meantime and Hurricane Fly has been Hurricane Fly.
"It is a very difficult decision to make for a whole lot of factors but, like I have said before, sentiment will not come into it. I made that mistake in 2008 when I was forced into an early decision and went with the heart and Kauto Star.
"I knew before the Gold Cup that I was on the wrong one and Denman flew home. At least I got it right the following year when Kauto did the business again.
"I have been afforded the luxury of delaying my decision as long as possible this time and, as I still have another day, I am going to take it. There's not much point in nailing my colours to one mast or the other until they get off the boat. I need to be 100% about it.
"They did their last piece of work on Thursday morning and did a canter yesterday morning. They will travel this morning. High winds are forecast so if one of them takes a rough crossing better than the other, there's not much point being on the wrong one then.
"I have been afforded the luxury of delaying my decision as long as possible this time and, as I still have another day, I am going to take it" - Ruby Walsh
"For the sake of 24 hours, I might as well wait until the phone call comes from Prestbury Park that both horses travelled well or one travelled better than the other. Hopefully they'll both travel well, as will all the rest of them.
"The deadline will be tomorrow and I can't wait any longer. Willie (Mullins, trainer) will be declaring the horses and I will be declared on one or the other. Then the phone will start hopping and I'll go missing!"
Walsh also expects to have the pick of Mullins' contenders in Friday's Betfred Gold Cup but he is favouring Thyestes Chase winner Djakadam over last year's runner-up On His Own or Boston Bob at this stage.
He added: "I would definitely be leaning towards Djakadam in the Gold Cup on form and profile but, again, I will be waiting to see what happens with the ground and to make sure they are all there in one piece."
