Cullen takes over on Dabiroun
The jockey’s inability to use her 5lb claim in the Grade One John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle has counted against her, with Paul Nolan set to use John Cullen instead.
“Nina can’t claim in the race so our own stable jockey will take the ride,” the trainer explained on At The Races.
Carberry guided the four-year-old to an easy eight-length win at the Festival, but Cullen had ridden him on his previous three outings since he joined Nolan from John Oxx’s yard.
“The horse arrived over this morning and is in very good shape,” the County Wexford-based handler continued.
“He came out of Cheltenham fresh and well, he’s a tough individual, and as long as the ground is not heavy he will have a good chance.
“It’s different opposition this time, though, as it is not a handicap and he is taking on a few of the horses who made the frame in the Triumph Hurdle.
“He is up against it, but is in good health and he deserves to take his chance against these boys so we can see what he is like.
“He has plenty of speed, was highly-rated on the Flat and is from the same stable as Akilak (who was sent off favourite for the Triumph).
“He was rated 102 and was second in a Group Three race, but is a good jumper too, and with luck in running should run a big race.”
Nolan is hoping that the ground does not get too soft for his Champion Hurdle fourth Accordion Etoile, who is a possible for Saturday’s Scottish & Newcastle Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles.
“He ran very well in the Champion Hurdle and was still on the metal three out. He just clipped the top of the second-last, was beaten just three lengths, and I was very happy with his performance,” said Nolan.
“With him, it all depends on how much rain we get.
“The extra half-mile won’t help if the ground is going to be on the softer side and I’d say we would have it all to do to beat the likes of Brave Inca and Macs Joy on soft ground.
“If the ground is good to soft with just a bit of juice in it, we will go there and take our chance. If it is softer, then we will wait until Punchestown and hope that the weather will dry out.”
Nolan also plans to train the six-year-old for another crack at the Smurfit Champion Hurdle next season, rather than sending him over fences.
“He is a year younger than most of his rivals and I think he deserves his chance to stay over hurdles for another season,” he said.
“If he stays healthy and sound we will probably campaign him in Britain a bit more next season and try and stay away from the Irish horses, who we have 20 lengths to find on with soft ground.”
