Danoli hinted at better things to come despite only finishing third in the Red Mills Trial Chase at Gowran Park today.
Having just his second run in 16 months, Danoli made a crucial mistake four out when attempting to close on eventual winner Micko's Dream.
Micko's Dream was returned the 6-4 favourite and had eight lengths to spare over Bob Treacy with Danoli another length and a half back in third.
"They went too slow and then he made a mistake at the wrong time which did not help either. But he ran on really well from the last," said jockey Shay Barry, who was riding the 12-year-old for the first time.
While the connections of Micko's Dream are now looking towards the Martell Grand National, no decision will be made on Danoli's possible return to Cheltenham for the Tote Gold Cup for at least a few days.
"We will just see how he is before we even think about Cheltenham. The ground was no help today because it got pretty testing," said Danoli's trainer Tom Foley.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins was understandably pleased and said: "I am delighted with that run as it looks like he is still improving and we will concentrate on Aintree now."
Willie Mullins was also in the winner's enclosure after the Red Mills Trial Hurdle as Balla Sola recaptured his best form after a lay off of more than two months.
Theatreworld attempted to make all the running but Balla Sola loomed up full of running after the second last hurdle, went to the front rising to the last and won comfortably by two and a half lengths, although in receipt of 10lb from Theatreworld.
"Balla Sola may run in both the Champion Hurdle and the County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham. He looks back to form and Conor O'Dwyer seems to get on great with him and I hope he will be available for the Champion," said Mullins.
Charlie Swan reported that Theatreworld, only third in the race last year when the odds-on favourite, did not enjoy having to make all the running.
"He felt better than in this race last year but he would only go as fast as I could get him early on and we were always vulnerable to something behind us," Swan said.
