Henry de Bromhead has warned Monalee needs rain to take up his entry in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday. Monalee was second to Kemboy in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, when he felt the ground was too quick for his eight-year-old. However, should conditions be deemed suitable, Monalee is in prime health to take part. "Monalee is in good form, but would not run if we have the same ground that we had at Leopardstown at Christmas. I’m looking forward to running him," said the trainer.
The Butlerstown trainer could saddle last season’s Ryanair winner Balko Des Flos in the same race - but he is another who requires rain. The trainer said: "Balko Des Flos was really sore after Christmas, and he’d want to have an ease in it before we’d run him."
Henry has a genuine hope in Paloma Blue, who looks to have leading claims in the Arkle Novice Chase. He said: "Paloma Blue is in good form after his win at Leopardstown, and the plan is to run him as well, while Petit Mouchoir entered in the Irish Champion Hurdle is also going there."
