NEPTUNE COLLONGES is looking to set the record straight at Cheltenham today following an unfortunate mishap in the Hennessy Gold Cup.
Paul Nicholls’s nine-year-old made a protracted return at Newbury last month after suffering a tendon injury in the 2009 Gold Cup, in which he finished fourth. The best-laid plans went awry, however, as he was brought down at the fourth fence in the Berkshire showpiece.
Having escaped unscathed from that setback, Neptune Collonges must now shoulder top weight in the Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase.
Owner John Hales reported: “He had no ill effects from what happened in the Hennessy. He was unlucky because he jumped the fence beautifully and was brought down. The horse is fine and Paul has been very happy with him at home.
“We’ve got Ryan Mahon to ride him. He claims 5lb so we carry 11st 7lb.
“He’ll improve for the run but I’d still expect him to run well – I’d be still hopeful he’d finish in the first three.
“He’s the class horse in the race and has the form on the book.”
Midnight Chase has catapulted fledgling trainer Neil Mulholland into the big time, and returns to his beloved Cheltenham seeking a fourth consecutive success this season. The deeply-progressive eight-year-old was last seen landing a Grade Three handicap by eight lengths and is again likely to make all of the running under Dougie Costello.
Mulholland said: “He’s in flying form and I’m happy enough with the handicapper’s reaction of putting him up 9lb. If all of the handicappers put our horses up 9lb for an eight-length win I’d be happy. I think the faster ground will suit him better than it did last time.
“He doesn’t have to make all of the running, but he’ll be handy. If we can make it we will, but it won’t be the end of the world if he doesn’t.
“He’s a good horse, but we still don’t know how good he is.”
Dessie Hughes’s preparations for Rare Bob have suffered a blow as Tony McCoy is likely to be unavailable.
Hughes said: “Tony was meant to ride him but I got a call from (agent) Dave Roberts to tell me he can’t do the weight. I’d imagine we’d get Paddy Flood over to ride him.”
Although he struggled at Thurles last time, Hughes is confident of a bold show from the Grade One-winning eight-year-old.
He added: “It’s been tough with the weather, but he’s fit enough.
“It was quick enough ground at Aintree in April so he probably won’t mind the ground too much – he’s a good-moving horse.
“This longer trip should suit and he’s in good nick.”
CHRIS WRIGHT’S NAP: Ravethebrave (1.15pm Cheltenham)
