DIAMOND CAN STRIKE GOLD
Elliott hope loves a slog and he’ll get that at Navan
GORDON Elliott could yet again be the man to follow at Navan today where he has good prospects of notching up a Grade 2 double.
In the Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle, Elliott supplies two of the four runners of which his Diamond Cauchois getting the vote.
This gelding was an impressive winner of a quality handicap hurdle at this track prior to Christmas.
He was then moved up to Grade 2 level at Gowran last month and acquitted himself well to finish third to Presenting Percy.
The testing ground and the demands of this track should suit him, which earns him the choice over Bapaume. One of last season’s best juvenile hurdlers, Bapaume returned to action with a superb third to Apple’s Jade and Supasundae at Leopardstown over Christmas.
That run came over three miles and he then dropped back to the minimum trip a fortnight ago for the Irish Champion Hurdle.
He was well supported on the day, but turned in a very disappointing effort when trailing in at the rear of the field.
This race doesn’t look at all as demanding so a much improved showing is expected.
Elliott would appear to hold all the aces in the Ten Up Novice Chase where he fields three of the five runners. His Monbeg Notorious is sure to be popular follow- ing his commanding 11length victory in last month’s Thyestes Chase.
However, a chance is taken on Mossback who held every chance when falling at the last in a three-mile Grade 3 at Naas last month.
A good stamina test and deep ground look perfect for Mossback, who can surely play a leading role provided he is none the worse for that fall.
Jury Duty seemed certain to pick up the pieces from Mossback’s fall only to be mugged by Moulin A Vent in that Naas race.
He is respected and today’s revised terms should see him reverse form with Moulin A Vent.
Lackaneen Leader could also strike for Elliott in the mares’ handicap hurdle as she looks to build on last week’s Fairyhouse triumph.
That win came in a maiden hurdle where she jumped very well and showed a good attitude to grind out a narrow success.
In the opener, Dis Donc is preferred to the formerly high class Flat stayer Pallasator.
The Noel Meade-trained selection comes into this off a series of runner-up finishes.
Last time out he chased home Speak Easy and it is encouraging to note that the four horses that finished immediately behind him that day have won since.
Drumconnor Lad can improve on the form of his first two efforts over fences which earns him the vote in the Rated Novice Chase.