Samcro aims at Fighting Fifth

SAMCRO, who was a late Unibet Morgiana Hurdle absentee, is likely now to run in Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle next month – when he may clash with dual champion Buveur D’Air.

Trainer Gordon Elliott was forced to withdraw his Champion Hurdle hope from yesterday’s Grade One feature at Punchestown because of the lack of rain.

After Supasundae missed the Grade One race for the same reason, Elliott pointed the way to Newcastle.

He will consult owners Gigginstown House Stud first, but has no current plans to run Samcro in Fairyhouse’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle over the longer trip of two and a half miles.

“The way I’m thinking is Newcastle, but I’ve got to speak to (owners) Michael and Eddie (O’Leary),” said Elliott.

“I’m disappointed I couldn’t run the horse, especially after Punchestown made such an effort – and the public want to see these horses.”

The outcome of the Morgiana gave Elliott renewed confidence however, as Sharjah had previously finished five lengths behind Samcro when he was beaten into second by Bedrock as odds-on favourite on his seasonal return.

“It just shows the race at Down Royal wasn’t so farcical,” said Elliott.

“He probably won’t go for the Hatton’s Grace, because we’ve Apple’s Jade for that.”