Paul Nolan's Joncol, as short as 16/1 with some firms for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham festival in mid-March, has his sights set on a more immediate target after connections confirmed that he is an intended runner in the valuable Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 6, a race he won in great style in 2010, writes Elliot Slater.
Reported to have been in need of the outing when only third behind the rejuvenated Pandorama in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, the eight-year-old is expected to give the winner much more of a race now that he is approaching peak condition. The severe wintry weather affected Nolan's training grounds very badly and meant that he was forced to run the Bob's Return gelding last time out even though he knew he was still a gallop or two short of his best and anyone looking for Cheltenham 2011 tips should remember this.
The dual Grade 1 winner is currently rated 160, leaving him some way short of the marks set by Kauto Star and Denman, but not so far behind other high-class chasers. Although he has never left the shores of his native Ireland, it is quite possible that Joncol could take his chance in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham if all goes well in the 'Hennessy', while he is 33/1 in the Gold Cup betting.
Doubtless no firm plan will be decided until after Leopardstown, but it is clear that on his day Joncol is a classy performer who wouldn't be out of place in either of his Cheltenham options. The ground may well provide the key to the Nolan-trained star's participation, as on all known form he has to have plenty of give in the ground and would be considered a doubtful runner if, as often happens at Prestbury Park, the Festival going is 'good'.
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