Irish trainer Paul Nolan has outlined plans for his two exciting stars Accordion Etoile and Cloone River, who will probably both run once before the Cheltenham Festival.
The former leapt into the Smurfit Champion Hurdle picture when beating some of the leading two-milers in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.
One of a clutch of Irish-trained horses at the head of the market for the hurdle showpiece, he could first be aimed towards the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 23rd.
"He may possibly run in the AIG," said Nolan. "The ground probably won't suit him, but I just have to get a run into him, and have to go somewhere."
It could be the Arkle Novice Chase on the same afternoon at Leopardstown for Cloone River, whose flamboyant jumping style has led him to the top end of the betting for the race of the same name two months later at Cheltenham.
A decent hurdler, Cloone River created a highly favourable impression in his two chasing starts to date, winning both easily, but has not been seen since Galway in September.
"Cloone River has had a rest and I am looking at the Irish Arkle for him," added Nolan. "But both horses are fine, they have had breaks, Cloone River a bit more than Accordion Etoile, but are both back in full training now."
PA