Collonges aiming to be fastest in Lexus

Paul Nicholls has confirmed Neptune Collonges on target for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday week.

The seven-year-old has won the last two renewals of the Guinness Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival, showing his liking for a trip across the water.

He ran the race of his life in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March when beaten only a short-head behind stablemate Kauto Star in third, but Nicholls still thinks he has some way to go before he can be mentioned in the same breath as current champion Denman.

“Neptune Collonges will go for the Lexus,” Nicholls told At The Races.

“To beat a fully fit Denman he would have to improve on what he has done so far, but that is quite possible.

“Until Denman runs and some of the others run it will all be speculation but he’s certainly in good order and we are looking forward to running him next week.

“He’s never one that impresses at home, he’s very workmanlike, and sometimes you’d think he’s achieved as much as he’s ever likely to but until he runs you never know with him.”

Nicholls also confirmed Tatenen, the ante-post favourite for the Arkle, will take his chance in the Grade One Durkan New Homes Novice Chase on Boxing Day.