Latest Exhibition out to cement Cheltenham credentials in Florida Pearl Chase

12.35 Punchestown
Liam & Valerie Brennan Florida Pearl Novice Chase (Grade 2) | 2m6½f | 5yo+ | RTV

Paul Nolan looks to have found the perfect stepping stone for last season's top-notch novice hurdler Latest Exhibition, who bids to make it two from two over fences this term.

There was lots to like about how the Grade 1 winner got the job done on his chasing debut at Punchestown 18 days ago and while this Grade 2 may come slightly sooner than ideal, his proven form over the course-and-distance is a plus and he rates as the most exciting performer in the field.

Latest Exhibition: a general 10-1 chance for the 3m½f novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival in MarchCredit: Patrick McCann

Much of what we'll learn about his credentials for the 3m½f novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, which he is general 10-1 shot for, will be impacted by the style of the performance rather than the substance of the opposition.

Interestingly, this race is probably more famous for the horses that have been beaten in it than those who have been victorious in recent years.

Grade 1 scorers Don Cossack, Presenting Percy, Shattered Love, Disko, Blow By Blow and Very Wood have all been beaten here since 2013 and perhaps the biggest threat to Nolan's stable star will be Pencilfulloflead, whose hurdles form stacks up well and created a good impression when getting off the mark at the first attempt over fences at Galway three weeks ago.

Pencilfulloflead: has enjoyed a smooth transition to chasing this seasonCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The six-year-old is one of two runners in the race for Gordon Elliott, who also sends out Run Wild Fred and was fourth to Latest Exhibition over course-and-distance last time out.

The Tom Mullins-trained Court Maid could not be in better form at present as she bids for a four-timer, while Waitnsee has improved for the switch from hurdles to fences and has been consistent in defeat recently.

Brace Yourself, who represents Noel Meade, will be helped by his previous chasing experience and should enjoy stepping up in trip, but needs to find significant improvement.

What they say

Paul Nolan, trainer of Latest Exhibition
He seems to be versatile enough in terms of the ground, but ideally he wouldn't want extremes and there's plenty of rain expected at Punchestown on Saturday. We won't make excuses for him though and he seems to be in good form. There's been no complications since his first start over fences so hopefully he can do himself justice again.

Tom Mullins on Court Maid (left): 'She's improved since going chasing and is in great form so we're expecting a good run'Credit: Patrick McCann

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Pencilfulloflead and Run Wild Fred
It's going to be tough taking on Latest Exhibition but we run two good, solid horses and hopefully they can run well.

Tom Mullins, trainer of Court Maid
She's improved since going chasing and is in great form so we're expecting a good run. This is an opportunity for her to get black type and she's well-in at the ratings with a few of them so I'd be hoping she can be placed.

Noel Meade, trainer of Brace Yourself
The longer trip than last time at Galway will help but this is a fair race and it's a big step up for him. I've been happier with him this season, though. He had a little bit of an issue last year but we've ironed that out and thankfully he's been in good shape.

John Ryan, trainer of Waitnsee
We were a bit disappointed to be just beaten at Cork last time but she ran very well. Hopefully we're not running her back too quickly. Paul Nolan's horse will take a bit of beating but anything can happen and our mare is a lovely horse who seems to handle any ground.

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