Laura Morgain to aim Percussion at Topham Chase but Loughderg Rocco sidelined
Promising pursuer Loughderg Rocco has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.
The son of Shirocco tipped the odds on Unexpected Party, who was previously third in the Grade One Company behind Arkle favorite Jonbon, at Leicester in December.
But all plans of a return to Cheltenham, where he finished fifth behind Blazing Khal in the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle in December 2021, have had to be scrapped by trainer Laura Morgan.
The seven-year-old, who is owned by the Newark Castle Partnership, was just 10/1 for next month’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the festival.
“He won’t be leaving as unfortunately he’s suffered a minor injury. It’s a bit disappointing for us,” Morgan said.
“He won well at Leicester but we have to give him a bit of time now. Unfortunately, it’s just one of those things.
“It’s nothing big, but we don’t want to rush him.
“He will probably take a break now and have the summer off. He’s too nice to ruin, so you better play it safe.”
Undefeated pursuer Till May the shipyard could still be present at the meeting.
The Alan Rogers gelding has won all three jumps including two impressive wins at Musselburgh in his last two starts.
Morgan is still considering options for the seven-year-old, who has an overall 33/1 in the Grad One Turners Novices’ Chase and 16/1 in the Grand Annual.
Morgan added: “Notlongtillmay possibly be able to run in the Grand Annual but there wouldn’t be much else. Loughderg Rocco’s injury is a bit bad but it is what it is.”
In the meantime, DrumsTwice placed over the Grand National’s unique fences is being prepared for another trip to Aintree.
Third in the respective Grand Sefton and Becher Chases in November and December, Percussion then finished fifth behind Annsam in a three-mile Kempton handicap.
Morgan is hoping the eight-year-old, owned by Evan-Robert Hanbury, can raise his official rating next time he returns to the Liverpool track.
“We’re hoping Percussion places or could win one, so his grade will go up slightly and he could then go for the Topham,” she added.
“The owners are keen to go to Aintree. It should be out in the next two weeks.”
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