AIG Hurdle may be next on list for Accordion Etoile
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 Prestbury Park feature, he could first be aimed towards the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 23.
“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.”
Meanwhile, last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Rembrandt came back into training yesterday after a three-week holiday that trainer Robert Alner hopes will help recapture his sparkle.
Disappointing when well beaten behind Chives in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock on his latest start, the talented performer is set to make his next racecourse appearance in the Pillar Chase at Cheltenham on January 29.
“He’ll probably run in the Pillar provided he is pleasing me,” reported Alner.
“A lot of people keep telling me we ought to think about the National for him, but I’m not sure.
“He would have a lot of weight after what he did in the Gold Cup last year and the other thing is that my wife, Sally, who has a big say in what happens, doesn’t like the race and would take a lot of persuading.
“I don’t think the National is quite as hard as it used to be and he does love to battle, and he stays forever, but we’ll have to see how his season goes.”
