Irish Hennessy Gold Cup: China Rock has more than a squeak says Mouse

News / Timeform / 10 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

China Rock (hooped cap) in last year's Gold Cup

"He's come on a ton for the run over hurdles and I'd be very hopeful."

Mouse Morris feels China Rock has plenty going for him as he has his second crack at the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Nine-year-old China Rock won his first two starts last season, and an excellent third behind Kauto Star and Sizing Europe at Down Royal offered connections plenty of encouragement for the spring.

But after being well beaten in a heavy ground Hennessy 12 months ago, he was pulled up after suffering an injury in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (currently trading at [50.0] for this year's renewal).

He ran creditably on his belated seasonal return in a hurdle race at Punchestown last month, and with significant improvement anticipated, Morris is confident of a big run.

"He'd definitely have a chance," said the Fethard handler about his Timeform top-rated (by 1 lb) chaser.

"The ground is yielding, which should be all right. He handled the softer ground in Punchestown all right the last day - as he's got older he's maybe handling the ground a bit better.

"He's come on a ton for the run over hurdles and I'd be very hopeful."

Jessica Harrington's Bostons Angel, rated 9 lb behind China Rock, completed a hat-trick of Grade 1 novice victories in last season's RSA Chase, but he has not stepped up to the plate so far during this campaign.

After failing to complete on his Down Royal comeback, he ran lazily when third at Sandown and he will be fitted with cheekpieces this weekend.

Harrington said: "He worked in cheekpieces the other day and I was happy enough with him, so we'll see if they have an effect on Sunday.

"I'm happy the ground is what it is and it's all systems go.

"It might not be the greatest Hennessy, but we won't complain and we're looking forward to running.

"He's only had the two runs this season and let's hope he can bounce back."

Willie Mullins' Quel Esprit is currently favourite for the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup, with the field completed by Magnanimity, Follow The Plan, Roberto Goldback and the bottom-rated Treacle.