Poli starts back at Aintree Connections of Don Poli are hopeful rather than confident ahead of his return to action in Saturday's Betfred Lotto "£100,000 Cash Giveway" Chase at Aintree. Trained by Willie Mullins for Gigginstown House Stud, the six-year-old was a brilliant winner of the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March before subsequently fluffing his lines at Punchestown. He remains prominent in ante-post lists for the Cheltenham Gold Cup ahead of his first start since April. Gigginstown's stud manager Eddie O'Leary said: "It's good to get him started and a start is what it is. I'd be surprised if a horse like him is capable of winning first time out, to be honest. "Hopefully he'll run well and if he does win, then great. We're not going over there full of confidence, but then we never do. "We had to start somewhere and three miles and one (furlong) round Aintree is better for him than two-and-a-half at Punchestown (for the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase). It's a stepping stone for him." Oliver Sherwood admits it is not ideal taking on Don Poli but believes Many Clouds is ready for the challenge. The eight-old enjoyed a glorious career highlight when winning the Grand National in April but will compete over regulation fences for this Listed heat. After finishing only sixth in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on his return, Sherwood opted to skip a trip to Newbury for the Hennessy - a race he won last season - in favour of this event. The Upper Lambourn handler said: "I was pleased that he did not run in the Hennessy again this year. With Coneygree coming out, he would have ended up on top weight and would have had a hard race on soft ground. "At Aintree on Saturday, there are only four runners. The Mildmay is a fast course, but it is going to be soft ground. "Don Poli is in Saturday's race, and he is one I don't want to take on. "He handles heavy ground but, over the Grand National distance, just on the easy side of good is ideal. "A horse has to be willing to try hard but also needs a certain cuteness. Many Clouds is very clever with his jumping, popping away. "I don't know what makes a National horse but, most importantly, they have to be brave and got to be cute."
