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.
Latest
-
Spillane’s Tower digs deep to complete Grade One double
Jimmy Mangan’s charge was just too strong for Monty’s Star at Punchestown.
-
Banbridge pips Captain Guinness in Champion Chase thriller
Joseph O’Brien’s charge finished strongly to get up in the closing stages.
-
Run Away upholds family honour with game debut win
Andrew Balding’s Yarmouth scorer is a full-sister to star performer Blackbeard.
-
Power-packed finish proves decisive for Mullins star
Mark Walsh swooped late on Mystical Power to surge past Firefox and Slade Steel.
-
Tune proves pitch perfect in Punchestown romp
Tom Lacey’s British raider ran out an emphatic winner of the Full Circle Series Final.
-
Trueshan all set for ‘tough’ Sagaro return
Alan King’s popular eight-year-old makes his seasonal debut at Ascot.
-
Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow ready for Punchestown rematch
Fastorslow has got the better of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner twice before.
-
Connell feels ‘conditions will be ideal’ for William Munny
Exciting prospect primed for big test in Punchestown Festival Grade One bumper.
-
Webber calls time on long and successful training career
Cropredy Lawn handler has enjoyed notable Flat and National Hunt wins.
-
Training giant Aidan O’Brien inducted into Hall of Fame
‘I can’t say how delighted, and honoured, I feel.’