You would only need to take one look at Gordon Elliott’s stable tour and recent record to know that Down Royal’s Champion Chase meeting is his first major target. As expected, he’s gone all out on Day 1 and the big guns are back. We’ve combined six of his best chances into a 79-1 accumulator. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
American Mike (2-7, Paddy Power) needs no introduction. A gorgeous stamp of a horse, he was an excellent bumper performer last season. Second to Facile Vega at Cheltenham and had excuses next time. His trainer sung his praises in a recent stable tour and it would seem that connections fully expect a win.
Jungle Prose (3-1, bet365) joined Gordon Elliott’s yard in late September and got off the mark for him at the second time of asking. A 12lb hike in the weights is no joke but it’ll be interesting to see how much improvement he can squeeze out of her. There mere fact that she runs here is a sign of confidence.
Pied Piper (8-11, William Hill) was an exceptional juvenile hurdler last season. Having lost the Aintree Grade 1 against Knight Salute in the Stewards’ room, he comfortably dispatched that rival on reappearance at Cheltenham last month. Should be even sharper here with the benefit of that run under his belt and his only competition here comes from the same yard.
Gevrey (4-1, bet365) got the better of his rival after a sustained duel up the run-in at Limerick last time. That effort was over an extended 2m3f and he drops back to just over two miles here. He is a maiden hurdle winner over two miles and it’s likely that Elliott has a plan.
Mighty Potter (1-3, bet365) is available at some very skinny odds for a chasing debutant. Comfortably downed Sir Gerhard at Punchestown when last seen and he should become one of the leading novices this season. It’s hard to make a case against him shedding his chase maiden tag at the first time of asking.
Better Days Ahead (4-11, bet365) cost £350,000 at the sales so it’s no surprise that connections are looking forward to running him. Scored at Lisronagh by four lengths on his sole point start and has the potential to be a very smart horse.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.