Ground Crucial To Etoile Bid

Accordion Etoile could have his first start for almost a year in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase ? but his participation hinges firmly on the going.

Handler Paul Nolan stresses his highly-talented eight-year-old, something of a forgotten horse for the two-mile championship, requires decent ground to put his best foot forward.

Accordion Etoile suffered a setback after landing his first Grade One victory at Punchestown last April, but is reportedly in good shape again now.

'Accordion Etoile is still on course, but the ground is what's important and I certainly wouldn't advise people to be backing mine ante-post,' Nolan said.

'I know it's hard to call the ground at Cheltenham because it can change very quickly, but there'd be no point in going unless it is better ground.

'Ideally you would prefer to have a run before, but there are plenty of courses we could go to to get a proper racecourse gallop so it wouldn't be the main issue.

'I don't think it would be necessary to get a run into my horses as they could all run fresh and we have the facilities at home to have them ready.'

Punters wishing to take the chance that underfoot conditions will play to Accordion Etoile's strengths can back him at 20-1 with totesport and Ladbrokes for the March 14 feature.

(C) PA Sport