Minella Indo

Minella Indo was unlucky not to win the RSA Chase. He travelled really well through his race for Rachael Blackmore, just up on the outside of leader Allaho for most of the race. He was a little keen if anything, but he did everything easily and his jumping was good. He travelled well down the hill and over the third last fence and, when came towards the near side and jumped to the front over the second last fence, he looked the most likely winner by far. He made a mistake at the last, however, which halted his momentum and sapped his energy and gave Allaho a chance and, while he rallied well to get the better of Allaho, he was just run down by the fast-finishing Champ.

Henry de Bromhead’s horse proved his class again here and he proved his affinity for Cheltenham. A dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles last season, he jumps well, he travels and he stays. Also, this was just his third chase, and just his eighth run under Rules. He has the potential for more, and it is well within reason to regard him as a live Gold Cup prospect for next season.

Cheltenham 11^th March, 2020