Brassil Eyeing Power Prize

Nickname remains on course to make his seasonal reappearance in the 100,000 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on December 27.

The Martin Brassil-trained eight-year-old won six Graded races last term, including the Grade One Christmas contest, but has been off the track since winning at Navan in March.

Brassil said: 'Nickname is on target for the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase and I am very happy with his work.

'He didn't start off as early as last year because the ground has been too firm in Ireland.

'The ground was good to firm for the Fortria Chase at Navan and we have been waiting for the ground, but it has changed now.'

Nickname has been partnered by Ruby Walsh on his last four starts.

However, the currently-sidelined jockey might be unavailable for the Leopardstown race even if he is passed fit to ride, with Paul Nicholls likely to send a strong team to Chepstow for the Coral Welsh National on the same day.

Niall ?Slippers' Madden struck aboard Nickname in the Dial-A-Bet Chase 12 months ago, and could again team up with Brassil's charge.

'It all depends if Ruby is riding across the sea and if not, he'll ride,' said Brassil.

'Ruby isn't even back yet (from injury) and we will wait and see, and if he can't ride, it will be Slippers or Paddy Flood.'

(C) PA Sport