RACING NEWS:TRAINER PAUL Nolan is hoping Joncol can put behind him a disappointing reappearance when he returns in the Lexus Chase at the four-day Christmas Festival at Leopardstown from December 26th to 29th.
The seven-year-old was below par when only fourth to Big Zeb at Navan earlier this month, but Nolan reports him to be back on song for the Lexus Chase on the Tuesday. Joncol finished third behind What A Friend in the Lexus last December.
“We were a bit disappointed (at Navan) though it (the trip) was a bit short for him and he wasn’t himself,” Nolan said.
“He seems 100 per cent now. Unfortunately the John Durkan comes too soon so we are looking at the Lexus now.
“There’s the Hennessy at Leopardstown after that which he won last year. They are the two main aims for the season. We’ll see what happens after the Hennessy.
“With his action he will handle better ground, but whether he will handle the undulations of Cheltenham is another thing.”
What A Friend, trained by Paul Nicholls, is among the 30 entries, as is the runner-up Money Trix, from the Nicky Richards stable.
Among others featuring in a classy list are Hennessy Gold Cup first and third, Diamond Harry and Denman, Neptune Collonges, Taranis, Sizing Europe plus three from three Willie Mullins yard – Cooldine, J’y Vole and Kempes.
Jack The Bus, winner of the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan, is on course for the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on December 27th. The Peter Casey-trained 10-year-old has been installed as 12 to 1 joint-favourite with Paddy Power, and will be at 10st 6lb.
Casey said: “The Paddy Power Chase is the intention for Jack The Bus but it depends on the weather – he will run there if it’s soft but if it’s hard, he won’t be going anywhere.
“He’s back galloping after a week off after his Troytown success and he worked great – there’s not a bother on him – and he’s in great form.
“We kind of fancied him for the Troytown as he ran well in the Cork Grand National when fifth and if he hadn’t have made a mistake, he would have been fourth.
“The three miles at Navan last time was perfect, as it will be in the Paddy Power, but it all depends on the ground.”
Fellow market leader Becauseicouldntsee, trained by Noel Glynn, has been burdened with 11st.
* Tony McCoy has made the final cut for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2010. McCoy is on a shortlist of 10 for the award, which will be announced at a live event at Birmingham’s LG Arena on Sunday, December 19th. The 15-time champion jockey shot to the head of the betting for the accolade after winning the John Smith’s Grand National at the 15th attempt aboard Don’t Push It.
BETTING:(Paddy Power Chase): 12-1 Becauseicouldntsee, Jack The Bus, 14-1 Chicago Grey, Glenquest, Lochan Lacha, Pomme Tiepy, Streets Of Gold, 16-1 Caim Hill, Catch Me, Clan Tara, Leanne, Majestic Concorde, Shuil Aris, Telenor, Venalmar, 20-1 bar.
