Angel unlikely to take chance in Gold Cup
The eight-year-old completed a hat-trick of Grade One novice victories in last season’s RSA Chase at Cheltenham, but has been disappointing in three starts this term.
After failing to complete on his seasonal return at Down Royal, he was a well-beaten third at Sandown and the application of cheekpieces for his run in the Hennessy Gold Cup failed to bring about the anticipated improvement.
After racing prominently, he weakened to finish sixth of the seven runners.
“He seems fine and he just didn’t spark for whatever reason,” said Harrington. He ran better yesterday than he did at Sandown the time before, but I’d say it’s unlikely he’ll run in the Gold Cup now.
“There is a race at Fairyhouse for him in a couple of weeks’ time (Bobbyjo Chase), so he’ll probably go there next.”
Mouse Morris feels China Rock ran too keen to do himself justice in Sunday’s Hennessy Gold Cup.
The nine-year-old was considered a leading contender for the Grade One feature following a confidence-boosting run over hurdles on his belated seasonal reappearance in January.
But after travelling strongly towards the front end, he weakened in the straight and passed the post a well-beaten fifth.
Connections must now decide whether it is worth heading back to the Cheltenham Festival next month for a second crack at the Gold Cup.
“He ran a decent enough race until the second last, but he ran very keen and he was never going to get home after doing that,” said Morris.
“I suppose it was to be expected on his second run back after a break. I haven’t looked at the time, but it seemed quite a slowly run race and they went no gallop, which wouldn’t have suited him.
“He jumped all right. He missed the second last but that didn’t really make any difference and he has just got tired.
“I’ll have a chat with the owners in the next week and see where we go.
“He’s in the Gold Cup, but we have to be realistic.”
Meanwhile, Rubi Light, vying for Ryanair Chase favouritism with Noble Prince and Somersby, could face the improving Apt Approach in Saturday’s Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.
The Grade 2 is set to be Rubi Light’s final run before bidding for Cheltenham Festival glory next month and he is among nine contenders for the race.
Apt Approach, 40-1 for the Ryanair, has won his last three races, including the Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase last time.
The Red Mills Trial Hurdle on the same card has attracted 13 entries, including the Willie Mullins-trained trio of Mikael D’Haguenet, So Young and Zaidpour.
