Faasel bound for Bula

Nicky Richards has elected to allow Faasel to take his chance in the totesport Bula Hurdle rather than the “Relkeel” Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The Greystoke handler has had both races under consideration for his Smurfit Champion Hurdle hope but will allow the four-year-old to line-up in the Grade Two contest over two miles.

“He runs in the Bula – half of the horses are entered in both races and it is a nice pot,” said Richards.

“I think he will still improve and there is still plenty left in him. He should keep improving as the year goes on and I think he will.”

Faasel was without his regular visor when making his seasonal bow and going down by a short head to Admiral at Haydock last month.

However, he is likely to have the headgear back on for the Bula, with Richards reporting the Triumph Hurdle runner-up to be in great shape following his comeback effort.

“He did a bit of work last Saturday and again this morning and he seems in great form,” he added.