TRAINER Tom George may run both his stable stars – Nacarat and Tartak – in Aintree’s Old Roan Chase on Saturday. The grey Nacarat, winner of last season’s Racing Post Chase, rounded off his campaign with a fine third in the Melling Chase over Saturday’s course and distance, while Tartak saw off a decent field in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase. Ideally, the trainer would prefer not to run both smart prospects, but may find he has little choice. “We’ll have to see what happens with the weather but I’m thrilled with both horses at the moment,” said the Stroud handler. “Tartak has strengthened up enormously since last season as that was his first summer break since he arrived from France. “Nacarat is looking good and strong and has had a great preparation, so we’re hoping he can continue where he left off really. “His season is going to be completely geared around the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day and we would ideally like to give him two runs beforehand. “He has to have a month between his races so we are slightly cornered where we can run him to get the timing right. “The last race he can really go for before the King George is the Betfair Chase at Haydock, which is more than likely what we are going to aim for. “The Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter was his first target but we are keeping our options open because of the ground and the weather. “Our plan is to run Tartak at Aintree and obviously I’d prefer not to run them both. “But I can’t let Nacarat’s preparation be hindered as he has to have gaps between his races.” Tom Taaffe plans to send Finger Onthe Pulse across the Irish Sea for his first start of the new season. “I haven’t had the chance to have a look at the handicap yet, or what weight he would get, but the plan at this stage is certainly to travel,” said the County Kildare handler. | 
