Gordon Elliott: My weekend runners

Gordon Elliott / Gordon Elliott / 18 February 2012 / 1 Comments

Gordon runs four over the weekend

"He's a nice horse and I've been happy with everything he's done since he arrived from France. I gave him his last serious piece of work earlier in the week and was pleased with it".

Gordon sends three runners to Gowran Park this afternoon, and one to Navan tomorrow. At the Co. Kilkenny venue, Timeform Betfair Racing Club's Cause Of Causes makes his hurdles debut. Get Gordon's exclusive thoughts on all four runners below...

Saturday

13:35 Gowran Park

Dantes King
He's been knocking on the door in his last few races and I think he's entitled to win one. I'm hoping he'll go close this afternoon but he'll probably need a little luck. He's dropping back a couple of furlongs from his last race, where he was a close third behind Frisco Depot. Davy Condon rode him that day and he'll probably ride him similarly today.

14:05 Gowran Park

Chicago Grey
He had the option of today's race (Red Mills Chase) or the Boyne Hurdle at Navan tomorrow but I've decided on this one to give him his final Grand National prep over fences. The two and a half miles trip is on the short side for him but it should sharpen him up and I'm just hoping it will put him right for Aintree. As I said earlier in the week, I'm very happy with the weight he's been given for the National and that has been his target for a long time.

15:50 Gowran Park

Cause Of Causes
He's a nice horse, owned by the Timeform Betfair Racing Club, and I've been happy with everything he's done since he arrived from France. I gave him his last serious piece of work earlier in the week and was pleased with it. I'm hoping for a good run today but it is his first time over hurdles and whatever he does this afternoon, he should improve for it.

Davy Condon will take his time on him - he'll ride him in midfield and see how the race unfolds. I'd be happy with a decent showing as he looks a nice prospect for the future. After today's race, I should have a better idea where to go with him for the remainder of the season.

Sunday
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14:50 Navan

Beef To The Heels
He might prefer better ground but he's been in great form recently, finishing runner-up on his last three outings. He's due a change of luck and hopefully he'll get it today. Davy (Russell) knows him well and I certainly think he's entitled to go close. He's my only runner of the day but I think he should run a big race.

Comments (1)

1. Richard | 23 February 2012

   I would just like to congratulate Gordon on letting everyone know asap that the Foxhunters favourite Backstage is ineligible for the race. Well done Gordon.