Philip Fenton is keen to get Sunday’s Novice Chase out of the way before committing Last Instalment to a run at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
The seven-year-old completed a hat-trick of victories over fences with a brilliant performance in the Grade One Fort Leney Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December.
He comes back in distance for this weekend’s assignment but should all go to plan, Fenton expects his charge to step back up to three miles (4800m) for the RSA Chase.
“He’s in good form and we’re looking forward to it,” Fenton said.
“I’m not too worried about coming back in trip. With Cheltenham just around the corner, I think it should be fine.
“It should be smashing ground on Sunday and we’ll see what happens.
“Without making any wild plans, we’ll get Sunday out of the way and look forward to Cheltenham.
“The RSA Chase would be the obvious race for him.”
Last Instalment’s owners Gigginstown House Stud have a second declared runner in the exciting Bog Warrior, but he is expected to turn out at Naas on Saturday (night AEDT).
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