Rocco ready to roll at Cheltenham again
Minella Rocco’s stable say the Gold Cup runner-up is in good shape ahead of his return to Cheltenham on Saturday.
Jonjo O’Neill’s charge was beaten by Sizing John in the 2017 Festival showpiece and has a good record at Prestbury Park as he won the 2016 National Hunt Chase there. Minella Rocco is back at Cheltenham for Saturday’s Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase and is expected to battle for the win, although the likes of For Good Measure and Shantou Village may have something to say on the matter. Minella Rocco, who has recently had a wind operation, was fourth in the Grade One Christmas Chase at Leopardstown last winter before falling at the final fence in the Irish Gold Cup in February. Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, says hopes are high that the eight-year-old will impress once again on Saturday. ‘He’s in great form, Jonjo is delighted with him,’ Berry said on Sky Sports. ‘He’s coming down a gear and he’s very forward. ‘I know Jonjo is hoping he’ll run a good race.’Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
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