Nolan favouring Troytown tilt over Ladbrokes Trophy for Discorama

Cheltenham Festival runner-up Discorama is "90 per cent certain" to tackle the Ladbrokes Troytown Handicap Chase on Sunday according to trainer Paul Nolan, with connections favouring the Navan prize over a tilt at the Ladbrokes Trophy the following week.

The talented second-season chaser, who was narrowly denied in last season's National Hunt Chase and finished second to Delta Work in Grade 1 company at the Punchestown festival, will have to defy top weight if he lines up at Navan this weekend.

Nolan said on Wednesday: "It's looking as though we'll be heading to Navan. I'd say it's 90 per cent certain he'll take his chance in the Troytown.

"It dries out quite quickly at Newbury and you'd imagine there's a fair chance the word 'good' will be in the going description over there.

Discorama (left) was just touched off by Le Breuil in last season's National Hunt Chase at CheltenhamCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"The ground could suit him at Navan, although he has a much bigger weight and it's not often in Ireland you see a horse who's number one winning a big handicap."

Discorama will carry 11st 10lb if taking up his Sunday target, whereas he would be on 11st 1lb in the Ladbrokes Trophy should
top-rated Elegant Escape line up.

Nolan's contender is priced between 7-1 and 12-1 behind favourite Portmore Lough in the Troytown market, while he is as big as 25-1 with William Hill for the Ladbrokes Trophy.

The trainer, whose string have been performing well in recent weeks, added: "One little worry you would have is that he's not overly big but his novice form looks strong. We're hoping he can put up a good effort."

The six-year-old races in the Andrew Gemmell colours also carried by top staying hurdler Paisley Park.

Paul Nolan has visited the winner's enclosure with some potentially smart young horses in recent weeksCredit: Patrick McCann

Nolan looks to have another smart youngster on his hands in Latest Exhibition, who shaped with plenty of promise when second to Abacadabras in a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Navan this month.

"He ran well and we learned his correct trip," Nolan said.

"I think he'll handle softer and you'll see a different horse when he's upped in distance. He won well at Galway before Navan and he seems to be physically improving every month."

Latest Exhibition looks a promising novice hurdler for Paul NolanCredit: Patrick McCann

Nolan added of his positive start to the winter campaign: "I'm happy with how things are going and hopefully we can continue to have horses able to compete at a decent level.

"We have some nice young horses but you need them in the yard to be where you want to be."

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