Gold Cup champion Sizing John is heading straight to Cheltenham rather than running again this year.

Jessica Harrington’s eight-year-old was set to feature in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 4 – a race he won last year.

But plans have now changed with Harrington confirming he will be heading straight to Prestbury Park in March.

“He’s going to go straight to the Gold Cup,” Harrington told the Daily Mirror.

“I’d rather go there fresh and well. He’s in good form, he looks good and he’s been back cantering this week.”

Across the markets, Sizing John remains second favourite behind Might Bite.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “With Sizing John going straight to the Gold Cup without a run, we think it will be a big ask to complete the double and are happy to be stand-out top price.”