Canardier© Photo Healy Racing
Dermot McLoughlin is hopeful that Canardier can go close in the Ballymaloe Foods Beginner’s Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday.
It looks a hot contest, with Willie Mullins’ good staying novice hurdler from last season, Allaho, likely to head the market.
The likes of Easy Game, Rhinestone and Walk Away (runner-up to Faugheen on his chasing debut at Punchestown) are others of interest.
Canardier was a well-backed bumper winner on his debut at the 2017 Punchestown Festival, and went on to win twice over hurdles, including at Cheltenham in October last year.
The French-bred gelding by Crillon was also an excellent fifth in this year’s Coral Cup behind William Henry.
Sent off 9/2 for his chasing debut at Navan earlier this month, he moved up to join eventual winner Ten Ten at the second last only to fall when looking to have every chance.
McLoughlin commented on that first run over fences: "You can only go by what the jockey said - Keith (Donoghue) said he was very happy and had loads of horse (before falling two out in Navan) but they have to be jumped.
"Please God he will the next day and we will see what happens."
