Noble lined up for Jewson

Trainer Paul Nolan is looking forward to running Noble Prince in the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old has made a highly promising start to his chasing career, making a successful debut at Punchestown in October and finishing second behind Realt Dubh in two Grade 1's at Leopardstown.

"Noble Prince will go for the Jewson, hopefully. He's in good form and hopefully he can go to Cheltenham with a big chance," said the County Wexford handler.

Noble Prince is battling for favouritism at a top-priced 8/1 in the ante-post market for the Jewson on March 17.

Westmeath bids to book his Cheltenham ticket when he lines up in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The six-year-old pleased Nolan when second of 21 behind the Willie Mullins-trained Raptor over two and a half miles at Punchestown on only his second start over jumps three weeks ago.

"We were delighted with his second run of the season in Punchestown," Nolan continued.

"He ran well there and he'll now run in Leopardstown on Sunday. We'll see how he comes out of that and then we will make a decision on whether he goes for the Albert Bartlett.

"If he runs very well at Leopardstown I'd say he'll go to Cheltenham."