Cooldine can pass biggest test
He has answered every question put to him so far by Willie Mullins, but this is far and away the the six-year-old’s biggest test to date.
It was only after Christmas he began to show his true potential and Cooldine is now on a six-timer for the year.
He had to dig deep on his latest appearance in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last month. The selection was headed after the final flight by Chasing Cars, but rallied in terrific style and was nicely on top in the end, scoring by a comfortable three parts of a length.
Cooldine now steps up to three miles for the first time and that could be the key to him finding even more improvement.
Blazing Bailey, fourth to Inglis Drever at Cheltenham, buckled down to score at Aintree subsequently and heads the list of dangers.
Venalmar, touched off in a driving finish by Fiveforthree at Cheltenham, could also relish three miles and he too is very much respected.
The Cathal Ryan Memorial Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase promises a cracking contest, bringing together the very best we can muster in this country.
The vote goes to J’y Vole, who has to leave a very disappointing performance at Naas in February solidly behind if she is to take a hand now.
She did, however, look a mare of the highest class prior to that and, travelling in her favoured direction, could make all.
Willie Mullins trains J’y Vole and his Uimhiraceathair gets the vote in the Masterchefs Hospitality Bumper.
He looked a possible star of the future when scoring by 19 lengths at Navan and the second then, Academy Sir Harry, went in next time and was third here yesterday to Cousin Vinny.
