Forpadydeplasterer to be aimed at Aintree
The 10-year-old, sixth to Riverside Theatre in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last week, has not tasted success since the Arkle Trophy at the 2009 Festival.
He has run many creditable races since then, including when second in the Melling Chase behind Albertas Run two years.
Trainer Tom Cooper is hoping the Aintree circuit will play to Forpadydeplasterer’s strengths, but he wonders just how good some of the opposition might be.
“The performance was good and bad, I suppose. There was nothing going better than him between the third last and second last,” said the Co Kerry handler. “He just didn’t see out the trip in what was a very competitive race.
“We’re going to have a look at Aintree now – two and a half miles on a flat track.”
Meanwhile, Nacarat is on target to defend his crown in the Betfred Bowl at Aintree next month.
The 11-year-old grey is building up for a return to the Liverpool track after winning the Racing Plus Chase for a second time at Kempton last month.
“I’m thrilled with the old boy. He’s in great form,” said trainer Tom George. “He had a school on Wednesday and he really enjoyed it. “He’s on target to go to Aintree. I just hope he gets his ground there.”
Cue Card will run in the Betfred Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree – unless Sprinter Sacre turns up.
Colin Tizzard’s stable star was second in the Arkle at Cheltenham but ultimately well beaten by Nicky Henderson’s giant.
A step up in trip now beckons but Joe Tizzard, his jockey, would not be keen to take on the Arkle winner again.
“The plan is to go to Aintree and he came out of the race absolutely fine. He’ll step up to two-and-a-half, unless Sprinter Sacre goes that way,” the rider said.
