3 on the day for Elliott as Envoi Allen delights on chase debut

After earlier successes for the stable with Farouk D’alene (here) and Duffle Coat (Wetherby) the most important one of all for Gordon Elliott, Envoi Allen in the Advanced NI Scaffolding Beginners Chase at Down Royal, couldn’t have gone any better.

The 1/14 shot, kept his flawless record intact at the first time of asking over racecourse fences. Jack Kennedy was up for the initial occasion, and the beautiful Muhtathir gelding was equipped with a tongue-strap (had a wind-operation after last season) for the first time.

Paddy Power go 9/4 favourite from 5/2 for the Marsh Novices Chase at Cheltenham after the six-year-old sauntered home by six lengths from January Jets

He was headed with a circuit to go by Soi Cowboy but was back in front going to three out.

January Jets chased in vain from two out but the dual Cheltenham hero wasn’t extended at all to bring his 100 percent record to 1 point-to-point, 4 bumpers, 4 hurdles and now a chase.

Jack Kennedy also rode Farouk D'alene

“Brilliant! You loved the way he switched off and went by them, you just love his attitude. You couldn’t be happier,” said Elliott.

“Jack (Kennedy) said he popped away and he quickened after the second last. That’s what he was bought for, he’s a chaser and it’s nice to get that out of the way.

“He was good and coming out of Colin Bowe’s (where he won his point-to-point) he had plenty of work done (over fences).

“I imagine all being well he will go for the Drinmore.”

On Abacadabras he said: “You are always disappointed when you don’t win. Jack said he had a bit of a blow after the second last. He was riding like he was going to win cantering and just blew up.

“I was disappointed but Jack said not to be too disappointed and that he had a blow and that he is going to come on from that.

“Take nothing away from the winner, he looked very good on the day no matter what we did.

“We’ll see how he is and look at the Morgiana.”

On Queens Brook he said: “Delighted with her. Over two miles she probably got racing too early before the third last. She did nothing wrong only got beaten.

“I’d say two and a half miles on soft ground.”

Eoin G. Kelly, rider of Soi Cowboy (GB) trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left.

(MG & EM)