McConnell planning festival raid with Another One

Go Another One’s victory in the Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles last week has left trainer John McConnell facing some tough choices.

McConnell needs to decide which of the three Cheltenham Festival entries he takes up — if any — as Aintree is another option to consider.

“We haven’t thought about it too much,” said McConnell.

“His options are stepping up to three miles for the Albert Bartlett or running him in a handicap in the Martin Pipe or Coral Cup — he’d probably get into them now.

“He’d have to improve a little to be competitive in an Albert Bartlett, but there’s a possibility that going over three miles would bring that out of him.

“To be honest we’re not fixated with Cheltenham, we may end up going to Aintree with him.

“He’s got a turn of foot so there’s a chance Aintree could suit him better, and some of the Irish guys don’t go over as much as they are battling for the title at home, so it’s not as competitive. But then Cheltenham is Cheltenham.

“I’ll discuss it with the owner.”