Danoli is not certain to be in the line-up for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown, it emerged yesterday. A recurrence of the leg trouble which kept the winner of the 1997 Hennessy off the course for all of last season has put his outing on Sunday in doubt.
The 11-year-old's trainer Tom Foley said: "After working quite steadily this morning there is a swelling in his hind fetlock joint again.
"I don't want to take a chance with the horse but I'll wait until the last possible moment before making a decision - just before declaration time."
However, there was better news of Florida Pearl, the hot favourite for the race, who schooled over nine fences under Ruby Walsh.
He came out of the exercise unscathed, with trainer Willie Mullins remarking: "I'm happy with the horse."
Paul Carberry was yesterday booked to ride Boss Doyle in the Hennessy. He has been picked to replace suspended jockey Shay Barry by trainer Mouse Morris, who was also considering offering the ride to Tony McCoy.
"Paul Carberry will ride him - it could have been Tony McCoy but that's just the way it happened," Morris said.
Boss Doyle is quoted at 16 to 1 by Ladbrokes for the race. The gelding was beaten just a length by Florida Pearl, conceding 7lb, in a novice chase over this course 12 months ago and Morris warned: "As long as it doesn't rain I think there is a fair chance he will run a big race."
Ladbrokes betting: 4-5 Florida Pearl, 7-4 Escartefigue, 12-1 Bob Treacy, Danoli, 14-1 Papillon, 16-1 Boss Doyle, 33-1 bar.
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