Nolan Tempted To Swerve Cheltenham

Paul Nolan is leaning towards saving French Accordion for Aintree rather than running in the Arkle at Cheltenham.

The eight-year-year-old rattled off a four-timer earlier in the season, including a victory in the Fortria Chase, but got stuck in the mud in the Drinmore in early December and has not been seen since.

"We´re in two minds still over whether we are going to Cheltenham or Aintree, but it is looking more like Aintree," said Nolan.

"We are not ruling out Cheltenham yet, but we just think he might benefit more from the three week longer break to Aintree.

"He´ll probably do a piece of work at the weekend and even though it is more likely he will wait for Aintree, we haven´t made a decision yet.

"It looks quite open this year and we´ll leave him in just in case any more drop out.

"It is essential that he has good ground, he is an awful lot better on it. And you have to be fit going to Cheltenham, I don´t want to ruin our chance at Aintree by running him there.

"The flat track at Aintree also might suit him better, but I´m not ruling Cheltenham out yet."

French Accordion is a 20-1 chance with Blue Square for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy.

(C) PA Sport