High hopes for Neptune Collonges at Newbury
Friday 26th November 2010, 11:49AM GMT.
Shropshire racehorse owner John Hales urged punters not to discount Neptune Collonges in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury tomorrow.
The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old makes a protracted return to the racecourse after having been sidelined since the 2009 Gold Cup, in which he finished fourth.
Neptune Collonges suffered a tendon injury during the Cheltenham showpiece, but is reportedly fit enough to do himself justice in Berkshire.
Cosford-based Hales said: “I spoke to Paul on Wednesday and he’s very pleased with him.
“He appears to have not suffered any effects from his tendon injury and schooled really well on Wednesday.
“I’m always mindful of the bounce theory, so we are probably better off going for a big prize straight away, rather than giving him a prep run.
“He’s as enthusiastic as ever and if he’s back to somewhere near his best, I’ll certainly be having a bet.”
Neptune Collonges has been a magnificent servant for the Ditcheat operation, especially in Ireland where he has twice won the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup, in addition to taking the 2009 Hennessy at Leopardstown.
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