Racing: Danoli on target for Gold Cup attempt

TOM FOLEY, the trainer of Danoli, said yesterday his charge would run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The 11-year-old has been injured but will be among the entries for the Gold Cup today.

Foley said: "We've entered him and he'll definitely be there It's something I'm looking forward to."

Danoli made his name when landing a big Irish gamble in the Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle at the 1994 Cheltenham Festival. But he sustained a serious leg injury when winning the Aintree Hurdle in 1995 and problems since then have made him difficult to train.

Danoli was forced to miss the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, but Foley added: "He's been ridden out for the last nine days and is fine in himself."

The plan is now to go for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown next month, where he will meet Florida Pearl, the Gold Cup second favourite, and then on to Cheltenham.

Foley said: "Danoli's problem started when he won that race at Liverpool and in many ways we are lucky that we have him back to race at all. But I definitely believe the horse still has the ability if everything goes right with him."

Foley is convinced that Florida Pearl is the horse to beat at Cheltenham. Foley said: "He made a silly mistake when he came down in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown and still has a point to prove - but he's still the one as far as I am concerned . Teeton Mill looked very good when winning at Kempton but I would question the form of some of the horses that finished behind."

RICHARD EDMONDSON

Nap: Derisbay

(Lingfield 3.50)

NB: The Robe

(Lingfield 12.50)