The JP-McManus owned horse is being prepped for this year's Grand National.
Minella Rocco has been well-supported to win this year’s Grand National after sidestepping the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup last Friday.
Having finished second to Sizing John in the 2017 Gold Cup, punters were anxious to see whether Jonjo O’Neill’s charge would try his luck again or head to Aintree.
However, the ground wasn’t in his favour and with the eight-year-old not having the best of seasons so far, it was decided he would have more preparation time and head to Aintree instead.
Since the announcement Minella Rocco would be heading for Aintree over Cheltenham, Oddschecker punters have backed him into as short as 14/1, although he is still best priced at 20/1 with Bet365.
However, the ground will still play a vital role in whether or not Minella Rocco will definitely run or not.
Jonjo O’Neill: “The ground was going to be no good for him in the Gold Cup really as he wants nice ground.
He’s in good form at home and the plan is to go to Aintree now for the Grand National.
Hopefully the ground will dry out between now and then and they will get nice ground up there.”
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said: “One movement in the market we’ve seen is Minella Rocco and support for the biggest individual race of the year.
“There’s been a steady amount of money placed on Jonjo O’Neill’s hope, which has led to a spree of betting in the market, cutting from 33/1 into as short as 14/1 in places.”
