Moriarty Next For Marina

Willie Mullins is in no hurry to assign a Cheltenham Festival target for Glencove Marina, who jumped to prominence with a commanding display at Leopardstown on Sunday.

After slamming Finger Onthe Pulse by an easy 10 lengths in a two-mile-five-furlong Grade Two event, the six-year-old was quoted as low as 6-1 for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy.

But Mullins has not ruled out an alternative option in the shape of the Royal And SunAlliance Chase, with stablemate Scotsirish, also successful at the weekend, a possible for the Arkle.

Of Glencove Marina, formerly successful at the highest level over timber, Mullins said: 'He, like all my other runners, was fine after racing.

'It was a great performance and he jumped really well. Even from his hurdling days, when he jumped them well enough, he looked like he was crying out for fences and that showed yesterday.

'I'd imagine we will run Scotsirish in the Irish Arkle (January 27) and we'll send Glencove for the Dr.P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Irish Hennessy Day (February 10).

'He'll be entered in both the Arkle and the SunAlliance at Cheltenham and we'll see how he and Scotsirish run in their next races before making our minds up.'

(C) PA Sport