Trainer says last year’s winner A Plus Tard ‘really coming to himself’ despite having run just one since last year’s festival
“The first half of the season has been really frustrating. Haydock just didn’t happen at all, we thought we were all set to go at Christmas and he banged himself, he just wasn’t right and we couldn’t [run], so we had to commit to going straight there [Cheltenham],” said the Waterford based trainer.
Minella Indo is set to be in opposition once again, with the 10-year-old having kicked off his campaign with victory in Tramore’s Savills Chase on New Year’s Day. “Obviously he’s a bit older now, but he loves Cheltenham and he always comes to life at this time of year. We’re really excited to get him there.”
Honeysuckle surrendered her unbeaten record when third in the Hatton’s Grace on her return, while Champion Hurdle-bound State Man was too good at Leopardstown last time. But judged on the reception she received from the crowd, the Kenny Alexander-owned mare is likely to be cheered to the rafters whatever the result.
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