Plan bidding to Follow up in Arkle

Follow The Plan will bid for back-to-back Grade 1 successes when lining up for the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Adrian Keatley, assistant to trainer Oliver McKiernan, reported the Accordion gelding on track for the ?90,000 contest but did voice a slight concern about the prospect of heavy ground.

"The plan is to run on Sunday. The only worry is the ground but there is no reason why he wouldn't take his chance," said Keatley.

"He has run before on heavy ground but he might not be as effective on it. He has won on it but it wouldn't have been in this grade. Although he beat some useful horses when it was soft in Gowran."

Follow The Plan claimed the scalp of Tatanen, ante-post favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham, last time and could face another strong field on Sunday.

"Cooldine was behind us the last day but the ground might suit him better while Jayo was impressive last time. Forpadydeplasterer will like the conditions also. We're definitely the one to beat on form and we'd be confident on everything bar the ground," added Keatley.