INDO HAS BIG IDEAS
Minella looks to remain on track for Cheltenham
MINELLA Indo should prove himself on course for the ‘RSA’ at Cheltenham by opening his chasing account in the three-mile Eco Friendly Cups Beginners Chase in Navan today.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained seven-old, a dour stayer, missed an intended engagement in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown’s Christmas festival due to ground conditions and comes here in search of experience and a test of stamina. And it will be surprising if, with regular partner Rachael Blackmore (inset) on board, he fails to deliver.
Winner of his only point-topoint, Minella Indo failed to land his maiden hurdle and a Grade 3 (beaten by
Allaho in Clonmel) before proving a shock winner of the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, where he outpointed compatriots Commander Of Fleet and his Clonmel conqueror Allaho.
And the Beat Hollow gelding proved that his Cheltenham victory was no fluke when following-up in the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, beating Allaho again, with Carefully Selected, in third.
Minella Indo gave the impression last spring that he could be a Gold Cup contender in time. And, although beaten, he made a very satisfactory start to his chasing career at Gowran Park back in November, when runner-up to top-class mare Laurina.
He jumped well that day but was beaten eight lengths. Laurina subsequently flopped at Leopardstown, a run that was too bad to be true.
Chase debutant First Approach, held by the selection on Punchestown form, and 128-rated Prince Of Scars are most likely to take advantage, if Minella Indo fluffs his lines.
The opening racingtv.com/freetrial Novice Hurdle looks a tricky puzzle, with all five runners holding realistic prospects, including Tronador, successful at Thurles and set to receive chunks of weight from his older rivals.
But the one I like is Liz Doyle’s Cayd Boy, winner of his maiden in Wexford back in October before bumping into Franco De Port at Gowran Park.
Although the bumper has attracted only five runners, the country’s three National Hunt power-houses will all be represented, with Willie Mullins introducing Don’t Tell Allen against the Elliot runner Eskylane and Joseph O’brien’s Battle Of Actium.
And preference is for Eskylan who was beaten on his racecourse debut by hurdle winner Assemble at Fairyhouse.