Leopardstown date for Forpadydeplasterer

Forpadydeplasterer is on course to return to Leopardstown in three weeks’ time following his fine effort at the Dublin track last month.

The lightly-raced six-year-old will aim to go one better in the Deloitte Hurdle after making a brave bid to retain his 100% record.

He only went down by a length and a half to Whatuthink in a competitive race for the Future Champions’ Novice Hurdle over Christmas, having won a bumper and a maiden hurdle on his only two previous starts.

“He’s in very good form and is going to Leopardstown now for the Deloitte on February 10,” said trainer Thomas Cooper.

“I was very pleased with his last run. He just ran a bit green towards the end when he got a bit tired but hopefully he’ll be better the next day.

“All being well he’ll go to Cheltenham after that. I haven’t made my mind up which of the two novice races he’ll go for, but more than likely it will be the Ballymore Properties.

“He had a little break after Leopardstown, but he’s back in full work.”

Forpadydeplasterer is available at around 20-1 for both the Ballymore and the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.