Etoile set for Irish warm-up
Paul Nolan is considering giving Irish Independent Arkle Trophy favourite Accordion Etoile a prep race in Ireland rather than returning to England ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.
The County Wexford handler’s six-year-old is as short as 5-1 for the two-mile novice championship after staying on strongly to nail Tamarinbleu at Prestbury Park last month.
“He is in great shape and it is more than likely that if the ground is suitable he will run in Ireland rather than going back to England,” said Nolan.
“He could go for the Irish Arkle but that may come too soon given the level of fitness he is at at the moment. He could go for a conditions event failing that just to give him more experience.”
Nolan’s other stable star, last year’s Galway Hurdle winner Cloone River, will return to England in the near future with a crack at the Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham on January 28 on the cards.
“Touch wood he is in good shape and if it all goes to plan he will run in the Victor Chandler,” added Nolan.
“He has done a nice couple of pieces of work but will do a stronger piece soon.
“He will go to the Curragh again next week and will have a tour somewhere to try him over fences, which will hopefully leave him spot on.”
