WITH the notable exception of winner What A Friend who is being aimed at the Grand National, next weekend's big race is still shaping into something of a re-run of the Lexus Chase.

One of the features of Leopardstown's Christmas meeting, the Lexus had to be put back a day because of fog. Money Trix, Joncol and Notre Pere chased home What A Friend, while Cooldine was pulled up, and the quartet occupy the first four places in early betting for Sunday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup over the same course and distance.

In the past the race has been a significant stepping stone to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Some of those involved may carry on to the Festival but it would appear that third place is the best any runner can hope for behind Kauto Star and Denman.

Nonetheless, the Hennessy is an important and valuable prize, and a competitive renewal is on the cards if the principals stand their ground.

There is a feeling abroad that if Joncol had been held onto a little longer, he would have finished closer than a 1 3/4 length third in the Lexus. That argument does stand up.

By the same token, Money Trix, who stayed on well to trail the winner by just 1/2 length, wasn't helped by a slow jump at the penultimate obstacle, and connections of the English raider from Nicky Richards' stable must be hopeful of going one better now.

Notre Pere passed the post 14 lengths adrift of Joncol in fourth position after racing with more of his old zest, and could well be in the shake-up again.

However, the most interesting candidate is Cooldine. Last year's RSA Chase winner was sent off 10/3 favouroite for the Lexus on his seasonal debut only for jockey Paul Townend to call a halt before the last.

Clearly a lot better can be expected, and Willie Mullins' chaser is no bigger than 20/1 for the Gold Cup.

In England most attention will focus on Saturday' Blue Square Handicap Chase at Doncaster where Kalahari King heads the weights after Monday's forfeit stage.

It will be a first run of the campaign for the gelding if Ferdy Murphy allows him to take his chance.

Pipped by Forpady the plasterer in the 2009 Arkle, Kalahari King went on to win easily at Aintree before finding Twist Magic too good at Sandown. That's clearly top-class form, and he could yet develop into a serious challenger for the Champion Chase, a race that is the target for Big Zeb who impressed at Punchestown last Sunday.

- Francis CARROLL