Gordon Elliott has made a superb start to the season unleashing some of his big guns for a huge season ahead and the next big meeting he is preparing his camp for is the Fairyhouse Winter Festival starting on December 1st.
The Irish Gold Cup and Grand National winning trainer has big plans for many of his stable stars to feature at the meeting with Samcro, Envoi Allen and Apple's Jade all set to be in the mix.
Apple's Jade has not been seen yet this season but the star mare is well known forgiving her best runs before Christmas and the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan where she started last year looks the event she will go to on Sunday to start her season.
(Credit At The Races) “Apple’s Jade will run in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on Sunday,” said Elliott.
If coming out of this well as she has done in the last few seasons she will then go in search of her fourth Grade One Hatton's Grace Hurdle.
Elliott added: “Apple’s Jade will run in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on Sunday.
“After Navan, she’ll be back to Fairyhouse for the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.”
15 horses are currently entered for the hurdle contest at Fairyhouse with Willie Mullins also holding a good chance in the contest with his star mare Benie Des Dieux and Champion Hurdle favourite Klassical dream still declared at this stage.
Across the card on December 1st there are three black type events with the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle and Death the Drinmore Novice Chase alongside the Hatton Grace Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott has previously landed all these events in the past, at one meeting winning them all on the same card.
For the Drinmore Elliott holds one of his strongest hands for a few seasons with three possible big guns all looking to take the Grade One with Samcro, Battleoverdoyen and Champagne Classic all still entered.
“I was delighted with Samcro when he won over fences at Down Royal at the weekend, and Keith Donoghue was very impressed with him,” said Elliott.
“The Drinmore Novice Chase looks the obvious race to go for with him now, and of course the likes of Battleoverdoyen and Champagne Classic are very much in the mix as well. That day at Fairyhouse is one we always look forward to.”
The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle looks to be taken care of by Envoi Allen for the trainer with the Champion Bumper winner winning on his debut over hurdles at Down Royal last month and looks very difficult to beat.
Elliott said: “Envoi Allen was very good when he won over hurdles at the weekend at Down Royal.
“He has come out of that race well, and we are looking at the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse for him.