Cuan Na Grai to make chasing debut in Arkle

PAUL Nolan is set to let Cuan Na Grai have his first start over fences in the Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The eight-year-old boasts some smart form over the smaller obstacles and was far from disgraced when beaten into seventh in The Ladbroke at Ascot last month.

Nolan admits he is asking a lot of his charge by pitching him straight into Grade One company for his fencing bow but he feels the race is a suitable opportunity to give him some experience.