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National could be on Rocco's radar

Minella RoccoMinella Rocco
© Photo Healy Racing

Jonjo O'Neill has identified a couple of potential comeback options for his Cheltenham Festival hero Minella Rocco.

A point-to-point winner and unbeaten in two starts over hurdles, the JP McManus-owned six-year-old made an underwhelming start to his career over fences last term.

However, a runner-up finish in the Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot was a huge step in the right direction and he confirmed that promise with victory in the National Hunt Chase at Prestbury Park.

O'Neill feels his youngster could develop into a potential Grand National candidate, but he is keen not to get too far ahead of himself at this early stage of the campaign.

"He might start off at Ascot, or he could go to Carlisle, depending on the ground," said the Jackdaws Castle handler.

"It probably looks like he could be a Grand National horse, but he's only young and we'll see how he goes early in the season."