Elliott: Samcro should pass toughest test
GORDON ELLIOTT is confident Samcro can live up to expectations by passing his toughest test to date in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival today. Regarded by many as the banker of the meeting, the six-year-old will bid to strike gold at the top level for the second race in succession by stretching his unbeaten run under rules to seven. Elliott is seeking his first victory in the race and speaking in his Betfair column, he said: ‘Samcro is an absolute pleasure to train, he just does everything so easy at home and is very obliging and laid back. ‘Unbeaten in his six starts, he always does it well, but obviously this will be the biggest task of his career and he may not find things quite as easy as he has done in recent runs but we are still confident. ‘On his latest appearance, dropping back to two miles at Leopardstown, he was again impressive and absolutely loved the ground so will enjoy the current conditions. He is our best chance of the day and I am very much looking forward to him running.’ Connections of Next Destination, one of four in the race for Willie Mullins alongside Brahma Bull, Duc De Genievres and Scarpeta, hope he can preserve his unbeaten hurdles record by putting his previous visit to the meeting to good use. Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins said: ‘He ran very well in the Champion Bumper last year so we know he handles the track and the atmosphere, which are big question marks for Samcro. ‘He has improved again for going over hurdles and he seems to jump very well. The soft ground will make it more of a stamina test, which is probably to his advantage. ‘Samcro does set the standard and he deserves to be the price he is, but we are expecting him to give him more of a race than he has had before.’ Tom George remains optimistic that Black Op can atone for his defeat in a Grade Two at the track in January and reward his owner Roger Brookhouse for a patient approach. George said: ‘He was unlucky last time as he jumped the hurdles nicely, then made a mistake at the last. He stumbled on landing and lost all momentum. ‘He is a strong-travelling horse and he coped with the soft ground last time. He appears to be the best of the British challenge. ‘He has really strengthened up mentally and physically as he is a big, rangy horse.’
THE Champion Chase is one race I’d love to be part of and hopefully I’ll get that chance one day. For the moment, I’ll be as fascinated as any observer and today’s renewal looks a potential thriller.
In one corner, we have Altior, twice a winner at the Festival and 12 from 12 over obstacles. He sets the highest standard and is the one to beat. I’m delighted he has got the all-clear to run after his scare, as racing needs its superstars and he’s right up there.
So too is Douvan, who unfortunately injured himself during the race last year and was well beaten. No one was sure earlier in the season if he’d be here today, but Willie Mullins wouldn’t have declared him if he wasn’t happy that he could do himself justice.
It gives the race, and the meeting, a huge lift that he’s part of racing again. I’m a big fan of Douvan and reckon Ruby Walsh will put it up to Altior and Nico De Boinville.
It will be an exhilarating race, he may have a mammoth task on his hands but if any horse can do it, Douvan can.
Special Tiara defends his title and will go off at a fair lick, but he’s usually better on spring ground and it’s quite soft here which won’t suit.
A fascinating day-two card gets under way with the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle where Gordon Elliott’s Samcro is all the rage.
Like Altior, he’s unbeaten, and looks to keep his unbeaten record. Jack Kennedy and Samcro get on great, they are both similar laidback personalities and I can’t look past him.
For Gigginstown, it’s all about the Gold Cup and I’m sure he was bought with that in mind. That’s what he’s going to be in the future and today marks a significant step in his journey to the very top.
Can I see anyone troubling him? Next Destination is a decent horse and no one rides Cheltenham better than Ruby, but Samcro has outstanding form and is my nap of the day.
The RSA Chase is intriguing and I can see Irish horses dominating in the closing stages. Monalee was allowed to set the pace at Leopardstown, where he dug deep after the last fence to stay in front.
I’m not sure he’ll have things all his own way today and Ruby will have a plan with Al Boum Photo to shake things up.
Presenting Percy has won here twice and will have his supporters, but he has a bit to prove at the top level in graded races like this.
Black Corton is improving and Bryony Frost has a massive association with him. If anything untoward were to happen to the principals, I could see Bryony and Blackie getting involved in the business end of things.
But Monalee’s form at the top end is very solid and I can see him staying the distance and keeping his rivals at arm’s length.
I reckon Ruby and Max Dynamite can solve a handicap puzzle in the Coral Cup.
This is a cavalry charge over the first two hurdles and you need a bit of luck to get into good position. Max Dynamite is something of a globetrotter and his Melbourne Cup form, with Ruby on board, offers appeal.
He may not be a big price —15/2 — for such a competitive handicap, but has all the credentials.
In the Cross-Country, I expect Irish-trained horses to keep this prize for themselves.
Cause Of Causes would be another popular winner as he seeks a fourth Festival success and the word from Gordon Elliott is that Tiger Roll has been schooling very well over these fences.
He’s another with a great record around Cheltenham, which can’t be overlooked.
Auvergnat, from the Enda Bolger yard might be worth a punt eachway at around 9/1. I got unseated off him the winter before last and expect him to run a big race — he could give Mark Walsh his first Festival win.
Anything that Enda runs has to be respected as he’s a terrific record in this marathon race.
The Champion Bumper looks as competitive as any of recent years and Willie is throwing plenty of arrows at the target. Patrick Mullins has first choice and has gone for Blackbow, whose win at Leopardstown last time out was most impressive.
It’s not always easy to pick the right one of Willie’s many options but I’m rooting for Patrick that he has.
Felix Desjy is an interesting runner for Gigginstown who usually try to avoid this race unless they have one suited. He is reportedly working very well at home.
The highlight for me yesterday was, without a doubt, Patrick riding Rathvinden to win the National Hunt Chase. It was a perfect ride and I was delighted for him.
Patrick plays a massive role as assistant to his dad and is a very talented rider. I also share a house with him at home, so I better get planning a little party!