WHILE very impressed with Alderbrook at Kempton last Saturday, Danoli's trainer, Tom Foley, believes Mysilv will prove a bigger danger to his charge in the Champion Hurdle than the reigning champion and short priced favourite.
Foley was one of a select band of trainers, jockeys and other racing personalities attending a luncheon hosted yesterday by Guinness at St James's Gate, Dublin to announce their sponsorship of the Guinness Arkle Chase at Cheltenham through to the end of the century and to introduce a novel awards scheme in the "Guinness Pure Genius Festival Awards".
This Guinness accolade will take the form of a daily award nominated by a panel of six (comprising journalists, television racing personalities and Edward Gillespie, manager of Cheltenham Racecourse) and given to the individual (trainer, jockey, owner, etc) considered by the judges to have made the most significant contribution to the day.
Danoli, who was worked yesterday morning, continues to please his trainer. Foley is satisfied that the horse's attitude will be better as he faces his second Champion Hurdle bid a week next Tuesday.
"He went beserk before he came into the paddock last year, the sweat was slopping off him. But he was off the track for a long time and was very nervous. This time his attitude should be better as he has had two recent races," he said.
Foley fears Mysilv rather than Alderbrook "because she will be hard to pass on the run home. Anyway, I'm glad there is something there to make the running!" Any ground, except absolute extremes, will suit Danoli, Foley claimed.
Arthur Moore, also present at the reception, has some fancied horses at the Festival including Manhattan Castle, second favourite for the Arkle Challenge Trophy.
Klairon Davis, who had a recent setback, is on schedule for, the Queen Mother Champion Chase. "I'm hoping he will have a clear round," said Moore. He is also hopeful that Major Rumpus, "a good, solid staying horse", will give Mr Mulligan a race of it in the Sun Alliance Chase.
Michael Cunningham, who, runs Derrymoyle, ante-post favourite for the Stayers Hurdle, is pleased with his charge who is better than ever this season. After
Cheltenham Derrymoyle will contest the same three miles Punchestown race in which he beat last year's Stayers Hurdle winner Doran's Pride so handsomely. He will then be schooled over fences with a view to chasing next season.
Charlie Swan, who regrets losing the mount on Imperial Call in the Gold Cup, clearly fancies Hotel Minella - providing the ground is good. "He is a speed horse who definitely needs faster ground than he got in the Irish Champion Hurdle. If the going is good he has a great chance. He has to come late for his race. Danoli is a different type - he is gutsy and will be better on softer ground."
Dour stayer Risk Of Thunder must have a decent chance in today's Jameson Ulster National at Downpatrick. The meeting is subject to a precautionary inspection at 7.00 a.m. due to a forecast of overnight frost.
Tasse Du The may repeat last year's success in the Heart Of Down Hunters Chase and Wallys Run has Pennybridge to beat in the beginners chase.
