Etoile possible for Punchestown
Accordion Etoile could put his Irish Independent Arkle Trophy credentials on the line in the Byrne Group Plc Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.
Paul Nolan’s seven-year-old, currently vying for favouritism with Racing Demon for the Cheltenham Festival showpiece, heads a list of 13 possibles for the Grade Two event at the weekend.
Accordion Etoile, who also holds an entry in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, was last seen winning a good race at Cheltenham in November and will face a stiff test this time around.
However, Nolan revealed the participation of last year’s Champion Hurdle fourth could hinge on ground conditions being in his favour.
“If there is a heavy frost and then rain we may wait until Naas the following week,” said the County Wexford handler. “But he’s entered and is in good form.
“It looks a good race and I was surprised by some of the entries, so whether it cuts up will remain to be seen.”
The Dessie Hughes-trained Central House is a high-profile entry, as is Newmill, a ready winner of the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles this month.
Mossy Green and Hi Cloy, second and fourth respectively in that race, are also engaged, as is Watson Lake, who lowered the colours of Accordion Etoile in October at Limerick and has since won at Naas.
Trainer Noel Meade revealed his eight-year-old, who finished fourth in last year’s Arkle, has been struggling with a foot infection, but is now nearing full race-fitness.
“I’m hoping he’ll run. He’s had a problem with that infection and that’s what’s been holding us up,” said the County Meath handler.
“It’s not much, but just enough to stop us getting there.
“I’m hoping to get a bit of work into him on Thursday and then hopefully he’ll be able to run.
“He did a bit today but I won’t make a definite decision if he runs until Friday.”
Nolan could be double-handed with Old Flame, while Mariah Rollins and Strike Back may represent Pat Fahy and Jessica Harrington respectively.
Jim, Tiger Cry, Commonchero and Ground Ball complete the line-up at the five-day stage.
