PAT Fahy is hoping he can get Castlegrace Paddy to Leopardstown in top form next month for a tilt at the Frank Ward Solicitors Novice Chase.

The Flemensfirth gelding made a big impression on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse last month, but has proven tricky to train.

The Carlow-based handler revealed his preparation before that seven-and-a-half-length victory had been far from straightforward, and is looking to iron out "niggly" problems in time for the Grade 1 contest, better known as the Irish Arkle, on February 3.

"We have him well entered up, and he's in the Arkle at Leopardstown, but we're just struggling a little to get him to the races," said Fahy.

"He has just little niggly things and we want to have him as right as we can. We can't make any major plan with him.

"If he's right he'll go straight to Leopardstown, but we'll see. I can't say we have a definite plan.

"He has amazing ability, but like a lot of good ones they have their little niggly problems.

"He's perfectly sound, but is just not giving the feel, and he can give the feel of a superstar. We're not going to run him unless he gives that feel. You have to be happy going there."