Plans Fluid For Faasel

Nicky Richards is keen to give Faasel another try over three miles in chase company.

Although a Grade One winner over hurdles, the seven-year-old has only won one race over fences which means he is eligible for graduation events.

Faasel has mixed hurdling and chasing so far this season and Richards is unsure where he will go next.

'I'm not just sure what we will do next. I'd like to find another graduation chase for him but I haven't had a good look,' said Richards.

'He'll probably have one more run before he goes to Cheltenham and then we might go to Aintree or he could go to Punchestown. There's various options for him but he wants better ground.

'He stayed on really well (when fourth) in the Boylesports Gold Cup under a big weight and I'd like to try him over three miles on better ground in the spring, but there is no point abusing him on soft ground.

'He'll be entered in the Pillar (Letheby & Christopher Chase, January 26) but I've got Turpin Green in there too.

'I'll have to have a word with Mr Hemmings and his team as they may run Billyvoddan, so we may go to the Aon with Turpin.'

Richards also confirmed stable star Monet's Garden is bang on target for the Commercial First Ascot Chase on February 16.

'Monet's is in great nick and we are just building him up towards the Ascot race,' he said.

(C) PA Sport