Fogpatches has National goals Pat Fahy is eyeing the Irish and Scottish Grand Nationals with Mister Fogpatches after some solid placed efforts in valuable handicap chases this term. The grey was third behind Run Wild Fred in the Troytown at Navan in November before chasing home easy winner Commodore in the Betfair Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month. Having won over three-miles-seven at Punchestown last year Fahy feels the Fairly Ransom gelding is the ideal type for a National. “He came out of Cheltenham as if he never had a run. He's the toughest animal I've ever come across, he's just unreal,” said the Carlow trainer. “I'm just trying to make a plan for him. The Scottish National is April 9th this year and the Irish National is the 18th and he could go in both of them, ground dependent. “I think he's a National horse, he doesn't stop. They would be the plan but I'm looking for a race in between. “The Punchestown Grand National trial is next month but that could be heavy ground though. “I might have to go to England again with him, he's a great traveller. He box walks so travelling is lovely because he has to stand in the box and he loves it. He's a character but he's so tough. “He went to Cork (finished third in the Cork Grand National on heavy ground), and probably shouldn't have, but hopefully we've learned from that. “His brother Stormy Judge wants heavy but Fogpatches wants good, they have two different actions. Stormy Judge is making his way back as well.” Stormy Judge was last seen winning a valuable novice handicap chase at Navan last March, when beating subsequent Irish Grand National third Enjoy D'allen.
