Brassil outlines nickname plans

Martin Brassil is likely to begin planning for the Cheltenham Festival if Nickname puts up a good show in the Grade Two Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The seven-year-old is one of 17 entries in the two-mile-five-furlong contest after he put up a hugely-impressive display on his chasing debut at Leopardstown in December – his first start since June 2004 when he finished fourth behind Rule Supreme in the French Champion Hurdle.

Brassil confirmed the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novice Chase on January 29 could then be a possibility for the gelding if he runs with credit at the weekend.

Moreover, the County Kildare handler is also eyeing a possible tilt at the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Festival, for which Nickname is a general 20-1 chance.

Brassil said: “At the moment he’s entered for the Leopardstown race on Sunday and unless something goes horribly wrong, he will be running.

“He’s really well and came out of his last race no bother.

“That was really good and as long as he stays in one piece, who knows what he’s capable of.

“After the weekend, the Irish Arkle is a possible but we are also looking at the SunAlliance because he has got a hell of a lot of class.

“He will need soft ground but if he gets it, it should be interesting.”