Leading novice hurdler Envoi Allen on Sunday is tackling 2 miles 4f for the first time in his career in a bid to cement his dominance in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle market at the Cheltenham festival.
The Cheveley Park Stud superstar is still amongst the eight entries for the Grade One Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle on Sunday and the betting suggests that although he is stepping up in distance he should handle it well.
Envoi Allen is unbeaten in all seven of his contests which include a point to point, four bumper wins including the Grade One Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham festival and since his switch to hurdles he has swept the field aside on two occasions.
His latest win over hurdles came in the Grade One Royal Bond Novices Hurdle at Fairyhouse over two miles and many punters have been speculating what race he will head to at the festival but now stepping up to the Ballymore distance it looks as if Gordon Elliott has made his mind up.
(Credit At The Races) “This race has been his target since the middle of December and we are very pleased with him,” said Elliott.
“Everything has gone smoothly over the last few weeks and it’s nice to see that his form has been working out at various points over Christmas.”
Davy Russell has been the man on board the five year old since his switch to hurdles and he is very much looking forward to Sunday's contest.
“His form is rock solid and we are really happy with him. It’s a pleasure to be around him,” said Russell.
“Naas is a very good racecourse and a tough racecourse so you need a very good horse to win around there. I have no doubt that Sunday will be a true test.”