Minella Cocooner to strike at Sandown

Minella Cocooner can likely seal a dream season for Willie Mullins with victory in the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Sandown.

The Closutton handler has enjoyed another epic campaign, with Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, Champion Hurdle hero State Man and Grand National victor I Am Maximus among those to have put him on the verge of a first British trainers’ championship.

The £95,659 first prize on offer would almost certainly complete the feat and while Mullins mounts a three-strong assault, it is Irish National third Minella Cocooner who makes most appeal.

Minella Cocooner was a Grade One winner over hurdles and has had a mixed season after switching to fences, registering his sole win at Navan in January before posting his best effort so far when beaten four lengths at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

Heavy ground was not in his favour that day, when saddled with top weight, and conditions should be more to his liking in Esher.

El Fabiolo is the Mullins representative in the Celebration Chase, but Jonbon is fancied to exact revenge for his Cheltenham Festival defeat last year.

5.05 Corsican Caper, 5.40 Alpine Girl, 6.10 Midream, 6.40 Ascot Adventure, 7.10 Shagpyle, 7.45 Kingmont, 8.15 On Song.

1.38 Dubai First, 2.10 Havana Rum, 2.45 Earls, 3.20 Shelbourne, 3.53 Bright Thunder, 4.28 Von Baer, 5.00 Amancio.

1.30 Griselda, 2.05 Thunder Roar, 2.37 Space Legend, 3.12 Holbache, 3.45 Al Ameen, 4.20 Foursome, 4.55 One Hart.

4.05 Barmyblade, 4.40 Financer, 5.15 Clear Angel, 5.50 Wen Moon, 6.20 Knightswood,

6.50 Merrijig, 7.20 Mr Irrelevant.

1.50 Secret Squirrel, 2.25 The Real Whacker, 3.00 Jonbon, 3.35 Minella Cocooner, 4.10 LANGER DAN (NAP), 4.45 Persian Time, 5.20 Emailandy.