Paul Nolan is still weighing up the options for his Cheltenham Festival hero Noble Prince.
The son of Montjeu produced a terrific performance under Tony McCoy to land the Jewson Novices’ Chase, the form given a big boost last week when runner-up Wishfull Thinking grabbed victory at Aintree.
Nolan must now decide whether to run his exciting prospect at Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival or wait for Punchestown next month.
“Noble Prince will be entered in the two-mile (3200m) and the three-mile (4800m) races at Punchestown and the Powers Gold Cup over two and a half miles (4000m) at Fairyhouse – it will be all ground dependent as to where we go with him,” he said.
“He will be given all options and will go wherever the ground is good and safe.
“You are always hoping that beaten horses will go on to show that it was a reasonably decent race, so it was pleasing to see Wishfull Thinking win like he did.
“The Jewson was a Grade Two but as far as I’m concerned it probably should be upgraded to a Grade One.”
Another Nolan inmate who could be Punchestown-bound is Far Away So Close, winner of a competitive handicap hurdle at Aintree on Grand National day.
“There is no reason why Far Away So Close won’t go for another handicap hurdle,” the trainer added.
“He just wasn’t good enough in those better races and he has found a level now.
“He won the other day and hopefully he will still have a chance in a handicap over here, and then we will go over fences with him.
“I wouldn’t mind stepping him up to two and a half miles next time. He showed real guts all the way to the line the other day.”
PA gm
