Kelly excited by Percy potential for step up in grade

Few Cheltenham Festival handicap victories in recent memory made such an impression as Presenting Percy's Pertemps Final romp did last spring, and following an exquisite chase debut at Galway last month, trainer Patrick Kelly is looking forward to dipping the six-year-old's toe into deeper waters.

He said of Philip Reynolds' star chaser: "You'd really have to be looking forward to him – he's impressive. We'll find out where we stand when we step into the higher grades, but Galway was very good.

"We were very pleased with his jumping. He's got strong and has done well at home over the summer."

Patrick Kelly and Davy Russell in the winner's enclosure at Galway following Presenting Percy's successCredit: Patrick McCann

Contemplating targets for the Sir Percy gelding, who is rated 156 over hurdles, he said: "Punchestown on Sunday week is an option. All the horses should come on for their first run as they're not overly-trained and hopefully Mall Dini should come forward too from his first start."

Punchestown's fixture on November 19 features the Craddockstown Novice Chase (Grade 2) over 2m and the Florida Pearl Novice Chase (Grade 2) over 2m6f, as well as Faugheen's potential return in the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle.

Presenting Percy is generally second favourite between 12-1 and 14-1 for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, while his price ranges from 20-1 to 33-1 for the National Hunt Chase.

Paddy Power have made Faugheen their 4-7 favourite for the Morgiana ahead of Jezki at 7-2 and 6-1 shot Campeador.