The Listener winner of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 2008(credit:
frielp)
Cheltenham Gold Cup hopeful Cooldine will try and get his season back on track this Sunday in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown but could be well worth opposing at prohibitive odds of 7-4 (Ladbrokes).
Trainer Willie Mullins has a superb record in the race having won it six times in the last eleven running’s, however he has already voiced concerns that last year’s Cheltenham RSA Chase winner Cooldine may be in need of the run. These concerns are compounded by the fact that conditions at Leopardstown are going to be very testing and Cooldine may be seen in a better light on quicker ground.
He has also been disappointing on his two previous outings this season, especially last time out when pulled-up in the Lexus Chase over course and distance. Five of his six rivals on Sunday finished in front of him that day, best of which was the Nicky Richards trained Money Trix who finished second behind winner What A Friend.
Money Trix currently a 7-2 (Ladbrokes) chance has steadily improved all season and we love the forecasted heavy going. The ten-year-old started his season with wins at Kelso and Carlisle before continuing his progress in the Lexus last time out where the race was run to suit. However, it could be worth focusing on the horse that finished just behind Money Trix that day, the Paul Nolan trained Joncol.
Joncol got in a the battle for the lead in the Lexus with Notre Pere and then after a bad mistake three from home, kicked clear two out only to be outstayed by the eventual winner and Money Trix in the last 100 yards. Joncol looked all over the winner that day coming into the straight and with a more patient ride looks a massive danger to the favourite on Sunday. He has been consistent all season and at a price of 5-2(Ladbrokes) looks the more solid proposition of the two market leaders.
Notre Pere looks well held on the Lexus form behind Joncol and Money Trix, as does Schindlers Hunt and In Compliance. The last of the seven runners Made In Taipan looks just below this class and odds of 25/1(ladbrokes) suggest that is the case.
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