Cooldine can stake Gold Cup claim

THE public relations merchants for the ante-post firms have been on overdrive this week, letting us know about the sustained gamble on Cooldine for Sunday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

All the 4-1 has long dried up and, I’m sure, there has been plenty of money about for Willie Mullins’ gelding. I think we can be virtually sure now he will start favourite.

You would have to say that’s mildly surprising, considering a rather dismal display in the Lexus at Leopardstown at Christmas.