Joncol camp given Power boost

Paul Nolan was delighted to see Joncol’s form receive a huge boost at the weekend ahead of a likely tilt at the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.

The six-year-old was beaten just a length and a quarter by Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Tranquil Sea in last month’s Poplar Square Chase.

That effort was even more meritorious as Joncol was giving the winner 9lb.

Nolan expects his charge to improve both physically and for the step up in trip when he heads to Punchestown on December 6.

“We were delighted with our horse at Naas as we were only running over two miles that day to sharpen up his jumping and he ran a cracker to be second,” said the Co Wexford-based handler.

“It was very exciting for us to see Tranquil Sea win so well at Cheltenham and the weekend and I think our horse will improve a lot from that as he had a good blow the last day.

“We were giving him 9lb in Naas and we know there is more to come from a horse when he steps back up in trip.

“At this stage, the plan is to run him in the John Durkan – the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas is then his main mid-season target.

“We know it’s going to be tough as all races in Ireland are so competitive at the moment, but hopefully there is plenty to look forward to.”