Irish runners abroad this weekend - 'A double helping of Irish interest' Lots of major racing action in the UK this weekend as Cheltenham's Christmas Meeting concludes on Saturday, the feature race in the Cotswolds being the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup Handicap Chase at 1.50. Joseph O'Brien accounts for the only Irish runner in that contest, one of five raiders bound for Cheltenham alongside two at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon. 12.10 Cheltenham - JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle - Cinammon Coco & Crooked Path A double helping of Irish interest in the Cheltenham curtain raiser. Cinammon Coco was a Down Royal maiden hurdle scorer in August and is now 1-4 over timber for Joseph O'Brien after being held since at Punchestown in October. He won the all-weather at Dundalk on his way here and it's an interesting test for Simon Munir & Isaac Suede-owned youngster. Joining him is Crooked Path for Denis Hogan. He has been running sound races in decent maidens over hurdles in Ireland but will need to step things up considerably in this company based on those runs. 12.25 Doncaster - bet365 Novices' Limited Handicap Chase - Zurich A rare Doncaster runner for Henry de Bromhead at Doncaster, Zurich returned from his summer break to record wins at Killarney and Cheltenham in October in a race that has produced four next-time-out winners. He's 6lb higher now but Mike O'Connor takes off half of that in what looks a warm race. 1.15 Cheltenham - Quintessentially Mares' Handicap Chase - Me Wee Bonnie Lass Anything Gavin Cromwell sends to Britain is respected but the trainer's string haven't quite been firing of late and that is perhaps a worry for Me Wee Bonny Lass. The Doyen mare sports first-time cheekpieces in this Class 3 contest over 2m41/2f and needs to better anything achieved in five Irish starts over fences. 1.50 Cheltenham - Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup Handicap Chase - Kim Roque French import Kim Roque ran a big race on stable bow for Joseph O'Brien last month in novice company at Cheltenham last month when finding only Kdeux Saint Fray too strong - with that rival going well again since at Aintree. Stamina is on his side and there could be more to come from this five-year-old though he's facing some talented rivals in the feature race. Carries just 10st 2lb. 2.40 Doncaster - bet365 Doncaster Mares' Hurdle - World Of Fortunes World Of Fortunes disappointed when favourite on comeback/chase debut at Tramore in August, but back on track since over hurdles, scoring at Ballinrobe in September and chasing home Millstream Lady at Limerick in a Listed contest over further in October when clear of the rest. She looks worth a crack despite Kateira setting a good bar. 3.35 Cheltenham - Download The BetMGM App Mares' Handicap Hurdle - Lagoon Nebula Ulysses filly Lagoon Nebula was last spotted over hurdles winning at Cheltenham in April, taking a nice pot in doing so. 0-5 on the Flat since but had a decent summer and interesting to see what she can managed from 7lb higher back in this code. Trainer Andrew Kinirons reaches for a hood and has booked Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle.
