Prominent in the betting for both the Jewson and the two-mile Arkle, Nolan is eyeing the longer race at the Cheltenham for Noble Prince, who has finished second on his last two starts to Realt Dubh, both at Grade One level, most recently in the Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
However, those runs were over two miles and Nolan has decided to step him up in trip. The trainer said: "Noble Prince is going for the Jewson and not for the Arkle and the step up in trip is what we've decided.
"I was very encouraged by his last run and I hope that better ground will suit. The last day, we thought that he would go past Realt Dubh but that fellow rallied.
"I would hope that he can use his speed better on better ground and that the step up in trip will help him avoid a flat spot in a race when the others quicken and he should be able to travel sweeter. I've always thought that he is a middle-distance horse."
The Des Sharkey-owned seven-year-old was fifth in the County Hurdle at last year's Festival.
Meanwhile, connections of Champion Hurdle third Zaynar are hoping that a wind operation will revitalise the galloping grey – but they are still unsure of his Cheltenham Festival target.
The six-year-old, who won the 2009 JCB Triumph Hurdle, has failed to shine in two runs this season and trainer Nicky Henderson decided an operation was needed to help the horse breath better.
Zaynar, who is part-owned by bookmaker Victor Chandler, was a distant fourth to Karabak in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham in December, a race he won with ease last year before going on to finish a fine third to Binocular in the Champion Hurdle.
Chandler said: "The partnership that owns Zaynar will meet in the next week to discuss future running plans. The horse has had a recent wind operation that has gone very well and he has been back in light work and going well.
"Nicky Henderson is also very pleased with him. No firm decision about his next run has yet been made and consequently no firm decision about his festival aim will be made until he has had that next run. Generally, the horse is fit and well."
Connections hope Zaynar can win for a second time at the Cheltenham Festival
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