Accordion Sits Fortria Test

Paul Nolan is hoping the step back out of novice company will not come too quickly for French Accordion in tomorrow's Harrmack Developments Fortria Chase at Navan.

The seven-year-old will contest the Grade Two event on the back of three smooth wins in the autumn, ? although two of these came in handicaps and the other in novice company.

His liking for good ground and the possibility of a small field somewhat forced Nolan's hand, however, and the trainer is looking forward to seeing how he gets on in what is undoubtedly his stiffest test to date.

'He couldn't be going in to the race in better form but we had hoped to keep him to novice company,' said Nolan.

'We stuck him in this race because of the ground, in the hope that maybe it might cut up. I'm glad I declared him and I hope he runs well.

'Basically, he is a summer horse but with the ground as it is and the race cutting up, that is why he is running. It is still a competitive contest.

'Because the ground is so quick, these better races are only getting small fields because people are a bit afraid of risking their good horses on it.

'In fairness you can see where they are coming from because if you get a horse jarred up at this time of year, his season is over really. Thankfully our fellow enjoys these conditions.'

Making up the opposition are Central House, Steel Band, Kahuna and Eagles High.

(C) PA Sport