Don Cossack and Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
It was laboured for much but Don Cossack hit top gear from between the last two to show his class in winning the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase for the second year in a row at Thurles.
Bringing up a double for his trainer Gordon Elliott following the earlier success of Westend Star the Bryan Cooper-ridden Don Cossack got back on track following his King George fall.
Supporters of the 1/8 shot had their anxious moments with the five-time Grade 1 winner appearing to race a bit lazily. Mount Colah came with his effort but made a bad mistake at the second last, and soon after that Don Cossack took the two and a half miler by the scruff of the neck to beat the other Gigginstown House Stud runner, Wounded Warrior by nine and a half lengths.
Cooper was content in the aftermath making the point that Don Cossack is probably a better horse on better ground. He also suggested that the big German-bred is more of a stayer at this stage and that this trip was inadequate.
"I was worried about the ground as he's a better horse on better ground. He worked in cheek-pieces the other day and flew in them and while there was no point having them on today, he'll have them on in the Gold Cup," revealed Elliott.
"Bryan said from the second last to the line he was only getting going.
"He was free and exuberant in the early days and while it's not good to look at, the last quarter (of his races) is his best now.
"He's a better horse in the second half of the season and with a bit of better ground and cheek-pieces, the Gold Cup is the plan. If he's good enough or not I don't know, but roll on March."
Ante-post reaction, Don Cossack 6/1 from 5s for the Gold Cup with Betfair.
Paddy Power are 4/1 unchanged Don Cossack for the Gold Cup (non-runner no bet).
(TW & EM)
