Plasterer back at scene of greatest triumph
His enthusiastic owners, the Goat Racing Syndicate, brought the house down when the eight-year-old claimed the Arkle Trophy in 2009, but he has finished second on his six subsequent starts.
Trainer Tom Cooper is eyeing a step up to three miles in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day , but sees this weekend’s two-mile contest as the ideal starting point.
“He had a good summer off, all has gone well with him since he came back and I am very happy with him,” said the Co Kerry handler.
“This is a nice race to start him off in. He goes there without a penalty and he has always run well at Cheltenham. Good to soft ground will be fine for him.
“The plan this year is to step him up to three miles, so after this race we will go to Kempton with him for the King George at Christmas.
Forpadydeplasterer features among a high-class field of seven runners, with the Paul Nicholls-trained Tataniano seemingly his biggest danger.
The six-year-old was last seen running away with a Grade One at Aintree in April, but must concede 5lb to his Irish challenger.
Oiseau De Nuit, Mahogany Blaze and Oh Crick all line up, while Gauvain makes his first appearance in almost 600 days.
Chaninbar carries top weight.
Nicholls’ Master Minded, the dual Champion Chase winner, was taken out at the final declaration stage.
