Willie Mullins looks to have the grip on this race with the two main protagonists in this race, and although this horse was beaten by the favourite last time, he could get a bit closer this time around.
Minella Cocooner was fairly well fancied at the festival last time out when sent off at 9/2, and didn’t particularly disappoint when beaten, he raced wide on occasions which wouldn’t have helped his cause, and probably didn’t stay up the hill as well as the winner that day, he like the favourite does lack fluency in his jumping, but again like a few of these in this race he will improve on again with each run.
Conditions and trip will suit him like the favourite, and with this track being slightly easier to run at compared to Cheltenham he is expected to go pretty well again, with Danny Mullins booked to ride who is a fantastic back-up jockey for Willie Mullins to have riding him.
This horse is a Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown in February when beating Minella Crooner by just under 3 lengths, so certainly has the quality in his locker, definitely could be the one to serve it up to the favourite in this.
3-length winner of a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in February, a creditable 2nd in the Albert Bartlett last time out, has something to find with the favourite but is only a 6yo so could improve even more.
Definitely a contender in this.