English/Ire
Brighterdaysahead primed for Lossiemouth showdown as Elliott targets Leopardstown title defence
Brighterdaysahead looks set for a major festive test against Lossiemouth, with plans in place to pay a late entry fee to get the Gordon Elliott-trained mare into Leopardstown’s December Hurdle.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old had been earmarked for novice chasing this season after two productive hurdling campaigns, but a minor interruption to her preparation has delayed any switch to fences and she still hasn't appeared over them this term.
That hiccup is now behind her, and while connections haven't completely shelved the chasing route, Elliott is leaning towards a return to the race she dominated last year. With State Man not taking part and William Munny removed from contention, the two-mile Grade 1 suddenly looks there for the taking again.
In conversation with Sky Sports Racing, the trainer said of his star, who won the Leopardstown feature by a remarkable 30 lengths last term: "She worked very well last week.
"She's going to work in the morning and if she works well and everything is OK, she is going to be supplemented for the two-mile hurdle at Leopardstown (on December 29)."
Elliott is also preparing to send Romeo Coolio back into battle at Leopardstown over Christmas. The Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase winner, who powered clear at Fairyhouse by eight lengths on his latest start, is expected to drop back in distance for the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase over two miles and a furlong.
Elliott said: "He's going to go to for the two-mile race. I think he's probably better over further, but we'll learn where we are going for the rest of the season after the 26th."
Stable stalwart Teahupoo is another heading for the same holiday fixture. Fresh from landing the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle on his comeback - his third straight win - he is being aimed at the meeting's staying hurdle rather than another intermediate test.
Elliott added: "He's going for the three-mile hurdle (at Leopardstown). He's come out of Fairyhouse very well. He's in good form."
