Trainer Vincent Halley has the Growise Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival in mind for Arctic Skipper, if the ground remains on the soft side.

On his first venture outside of novice company last time, the big Flemensfirth gelding performed creditably to finish third in the Grade Three Imperial Call Chase at Cork behind Fine Rightly.

"The weather has been so bad that it could possibly turn up soft at Punchestown. If he didn't run there, though, he'd probably be left off," said the County Waterford-based handler.

"The further the better for him and they probably didn't go enough of a gallop for him at Cork. I actually think when he runs in a better handicap, or a Grade One, where they go a proper pace, he'll be suited better."

Owned by Halley's father Lar, Arctic Skipper has his connections looking forward to next term, with his trainer saying: "I think a bit of him. He's just such a big frame. I keep saying it every summer but he keeps filling out into that frame all the time."

The seven-year-old finished ahead of Grand National hero Rule The World when third in a Grade Three at Naas in early March, and Halley is prepared to be patient with his charge, saying: "Chasers like him take time.

"His jockey Paddy Mangan said he'd have used his jumping more if they'd gone faster last time.

"We already have a race in mind for him at Down Royal early next winter so hopefully he keeps progressing."

LOTS MORE PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL COVERAGE IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND