Wide eyed for Elliott in opener

GORDON ELLIOTT always has a strong hand at his local track and Wide Receiver should kick-start the day for Cullentra in the opening maiden hurdle at Navan tomorrow.

A mistake at the last cost this fellow when beaten by Baptism Of Fire at Punchestown before he stayed on stoutly in the closing stages to finish third behind N’golo in the Grade 3 For Auction (two miles) at this venue.

Back in maiden company, and back up to this trip, he’ll be a tough nut to crack.

In contrast, stablecompanion Farouk D’alene drops back in trip but looks the one to beat in the

Grade 3 Betvictor Casino Monksfield Novice Hurdle. He’s a relentless galloper, so expect Jack Kennedy to make plenty of use of him.

And Joseph O’brien’s Entoucas is napped to land the beginners chase, in which the Mullins runner Blackbow might prove the main threat.

HIGH HOPES Gordon Elliott will be feeling bullish