Chase Career Beckons For Faasel

Faasel, runner-up to Penzance in the 2005 Triumph Hurdle, is to be sent novice chasing with a tilt at the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy on the cards if all goes well.

Nicky Richards plans to give the six-year-old a first run over fences at Ayr later this month, with another trip to the Cheltenham Festival a distinct possibility.

Richards had high hopes for Faasel as a hurdler but despite scoring in a Grade One event as a novice, he failed to register success at the highest level in his second season and has finished fifth on his two outings this winter.

Richards said: 'We will take him up to Ayr on the 22nd of this month if the ground is all right and take it from there.

'He is a high-calibre horse and if he runs up to his hurdle rating over fences he wouldn't be out of place in an Arkle.

'We need to go and see if he has what it takes for chasing but I think he has.

'He has been jumping well at home and hopefully he will go and do it on the day.'

Stan James introduced Faasel as a 33-1 chance for the Arkle which takes place on March 13.

(C) PA Sport