Jonjo O’Neill has attributed the improved showing by More Of That to the latest in a series of wind operations. The chaser, described by the trainer three months ago as the best he had had, turned in lacklustre efforts on his first three starts of the season but ran a much better race in the Irish Gold Cup on Sunday until unseating Mark Walsh at the final fence, the only mistake he made in the race.
A Racing Post analyst described it as “the most eye-catching performance of the day”, significant praise on a card of Cheltenham Festival trials. O’Neill attended the Grand National weights launch on Tuesday evening and was asked if he knew a reason for this return to form by More Of That, who looked a world‑beater when outstaying Annie Power over hurdles at the 2014 Festival.
“He’s had a wind operation,” O’Neill said. “The first one didn’t work; we’ve redone it. He’s fine now and it was brilliant to see him racing with zest there again. I know he didn’t win but the way he went through the race and attacked his fences was like the old horse. If we’ve got him back, I tell you what …”
While some believe More Of That may have been coming to win Sunday’s race at the time of his departure, O’Neill is more cautious. “He’d have been placed. He might have won, who knows, but he would have been placed anyway.
“Do I think the race was a good race? No, I don’t think it was a great race, to be honest. But the way the race was run he would have been better with a better pace. He travelled a little bit too strong all the way through. He’s a proper horse.”
More Of That is entered in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National but O’Neill did not seem keen on running in both races, which are three weeks apart this year. There must be considerable temptation to wait for the National, because the handicapper was lenient in choosing not to raise More Of That’s rating after his effort on Sunday. As a result More Of That would carry 6lb less at Aintree than Don Poli, having been almost alongside him when falling on Sunday, in a race at level weights.
To the suggestion the handicapper had been kind O’Neill replied, smiling: “The handicapper’s never kind but I won’t disagree with you.”
More Of That has attracted interest in the National market, having been 50-1 in places on Monday. While there is still 33-1 available, several firms cut him to 25-1 on Wednesday.
Colin Tizzard firmed up his Festival plans by taking Cue Card out of entries for the Ryanair Chase. The veteran is therefore committed to the Gold Cup, in which he was a late faller last year when travelling like the winner. There was some discussion about the Ryanair after his King George defeat behind his stablemate, Thistlecrack, but his owner, Jean Bishop, is keen to have another crack at the biggest race of Festival week. The 11-year-old runs at Ascot on Saturday.
Tizzard is keeping his options open for Fox Norton, who trailed Altior by 13 lengths on his return from injury on Saturday. While Fox Norton is the third-favourite for the Champion Chase behind Douvan and Altior, he may yet be stepped up in distance for the Ryanair, in which he would be most unlucky to meet anything of their quality.
There will be no Cheltenham for Kotkikova, a star mare in France who has so far been disappointing for Nicky Henderson. The trainer said she had a minor leg injury which would prevent her from running next month.
Willie Mullins cast doubt on speculation that, having lost Faugheen and Annie Power from his Festival squad, he might divert Yorkhill to the Champion Hurdle. “At the moment, the Champion Hurdle is not part of our plan,” Mullins told the Irish Times, though Mullins watchers will notice the trainer’s words leave room for a late change of heart.
Chris Cook’s Thursday tips
Chelmsford 5.50 Gabrial The Thug (nb) 6.25 Ahead Of Time 7.00 Midtech Star 7.30 Gold Flash 8.00 Upper Lambourn 8.30 Willyegolassiego
Kelso 1.25 Reivers Lad 1.55 Vicenzo Mio 2.25 One For Harry 3.00 Saphir Du Rheu 3.35 Rowdy Rocher 4.05 Black Thunder 4.40 Better Getalong
Leicester 2.05 Edgar 2.35 Frankie Ballou 3.10 Mercian Prince (nap) 3.45 Un Prophete 4.20 Song Saa 4.50 Samarnni
Lingfield 1.45 Mia Cara 2.15 Porto Ferro 2.45 Cappananty Con 3.20 Good Time Ahead 3.55 Cohesion 4.30 Spirit Of Zebedee 5.00 Black Dave
