Gordon Elliott: My five running on Monday

Gordon Elliott / Gordon Elliott / 06 February 2012 / 2 Comments

This could be a good day for Gordon with some fine horses of his in action

"He (Don't Back Down) made the running the last day and he'll do the same today if nothing else wants to make it. Davy Russell is coming over to ride him and I expect him to run well."

Gordon sends five runners to Britain this afternoon with four going north to Ayr and one looking to follow up a recent success a little further south. It could be a good day for the Co Meath handler. Read his thoughts on all his runners.

13.30 Ayr - Mae's Choice

I've been impressed with her last couple of runs - she's showing us a lot more on the racecourse than she had been at home. She's dropping back to two miles for the first time, which is a real worry but she's still in great form. I think the big galloping track and soft ground will suit her and we'll also make the running with her to ensure it's a test, so she should go close again.

13.30 Ayr - Narjawa

She's a very nice filly and has a good rating on the flat (given a mark of 80 after winning a maiden at Sligo in August). Whatever she does today, I think she should be capable of winning a maiden hurdle in Ireland after, and she certainly looks a nice mare for the future.

14.00 Dont Back Down

He won on New Year's Day, when Paul Carberry gave him a brilliant ride. He's a tough horse, he'll stay going and this big galloping track should also suit him. He made the running the last day and he'll do the same today if nothing else wants to make it. Davy Russell is coming over to ride him and I expect him to run well.

14.35 Ayr - Eight Is My Number

He's had a wind operation since his last run and so we're hoping he has improved for it. That wasn't a bad first effort over fences but even though there are only three runners in today's race, he has a little bit to find with the other two. That said, he's in good form and he won't disgrace himself so hopefully he'll go close.

18.00 Wolverhampton - Face Value

He won impressively at the track on Saturday and he's come out of the race very well so we're going to run him again. He's dropping back a furlong in trip and has a six-pound penalty to carry but he should take all the beating again.

Comments (2)

1. Anonymous | 06 February 2012

   thanks for nothing

2. paul ramshaw | 06 February 2012

   great start to you column today, first horse dropping down in trip, looked like it struggled to get two miles, next horse will stay all day and goes back at a rate of knots. First and last time i will be reading your column