Cheltenham may beckon again for Rocco
Warwick win was first since 2016 for former Gold Cup runner-up.
Jonjo O’Neill is considering the next plan of attack with Minella Rocco, following his return to winning ways at Warwick. Runner-up to Sizing John in the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup, having won the National Hunt Chase at the Festival 12 months earlier, the 10-year-old is clearly not the force he once was. After pulling up in four successive races and then finishing eighth at Ascot in November, O’Neill’s charge looked on the brink of retirement, but he made most of what was a good opportunity on his hunter-chase debut last week. Minella Rocco will need to run again to qualify for the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham in March, while Aintree’s equivalent over the Grand National fences three weeks later is high on the agenda. O’Neill said: “Minella Rocco came out of the race really well. He has to run again, and win or be second – so if that happens he’ll go to Cheltenham. “He could go to Wetherby – or he could go to a few places, I’m not sure just yet. There is one (hunter chase) at Wincanton, but he’s not going there – it’ll be Wetherby or one of those (others). “I hope he can qualify. But if he doesn’t he’ll go to Aintree anyway – that will be the main plan. Going to Cheltenham and Aintree may be a bit close. “We’ll see nearer the time, but it’s lovely to see him getting his head back in front – because it’s a long time since he won. We’ll have to see how he is operating.” Plans remain fluid, meanwhile, for Annie Mc – who has impressed in winning her two starts over fences at Wincanton and Wetherby. “Annie Mc is very good – (but) off the top of my head, I can’t tell you where she’ll go next,” O’Neill added. “There’s a few races for her – one at Bangor and one at Exeter, I think – so she’ll hopefully go to one of those.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Blue is the colour again for Frankie in Al Quoz Sprint
Dettori will rekindle Godolphin connection when riding Star Of Mystery.
-
Big year for Auguste Rodin starts in Sheema Classic
Brilliant dual Derby winner looks to have the world at his feet as a four-year-old.
-
Lord North and Dettori bidding for Dubai Turf four-timer
Evergreen veterans will team up again at Meydan on Saturday.
-
Fox clear to ride Grand National favourite Corach Rambler
BHA speculation jockey could miss Aintree due to suspension.
-
‘Revelation’ Dear My Friend out to continue hot streak
Last season’s Burradon Stakes winner goes for the Mile this year.
-
Mick Appleby struggling to split Sprint duo
Juan Les Pins and Billyjoh both fancied to run well on All-Weather Finals Day.
-
Easter Classic contender Penzance still improving
Appleby: ‘He’s in good order and he would be our best chance of a winner on Friday.’
-
Dane O’Neill calls time on career following injury battle
Veteran rider can call on some great memories from his days in the saddle.
-
Ryan believes Room Service can deliver Burradon success
‘He’s matured the way you would like to see him mature from two to three’.