Envoi Allen and Davy Russell with Longhouse Poet and Derek O'Connor in behind© Photo Healy Racing
Upped to two and a half miles Envoi Allen won his third Grade One and remains unbeaten after eight starts all told (including his ‘point’) after Naas feature race success in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle.
Envoi Allen is 5/4 favourite from 13/8 with Paddy Power for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham, after the ‘fours on’ chance here disposed of Elixir D’ainay and Longhouse Poet by three and a half lengths and the same.
Davy Russell took over on the Cheveley Park Stud-owned and Gordon Elliott-trained star from the second last.
Pace-setter Elixir D’ainay, and Longhouse Poet, kept to their tasks well, but this was as convincing as ever from the beautiful big son of Muhtathir.
That Haras du Mezeray based sire in France, is also responsible for Elixir D’ainay.
“That was a proper test, they went a proper gallop turning past the stands,” said Elliott.
“Davy said he learned more today than he every learned. He jumped well and he just does what he has to do when he gets to the front.
“He'll be entered in everything at Cheltenham. He could go to two miles or go this trip, I couldn't see him going much further.
“We'll try and split them all up and he could go either way.
“I'd say over two-and-a-half he'd find it very easy if you drop him in and ride a race. Over two miles you'd have to be forcing it the whole way.
“I'd say that was a fair race, they went a fair lick the whole way.
“He'll only ever win by a length or two, that's all he ever he does every day he runs.”
On a possible tilt at the Champion Hurdle:- “He'll be entered in everything at Cheltenham but I'd imagine we'll keep him in his own grade this year.
“If I was a betting man I'd say we'll keep him in the grade he's in.
“He'll have entries at the Dublin festival. Whether we go straight to Cheltenham or not obviously I'll have to discuss that with Chris Richardson and Mr & Mrs Thompson.”
On the future as a chaser:- “When you look at the way he jumped two or three of those hurdles he looks like he's made for fences.”
On Cheveley Park:- It's great to have horses for them. They are supporting the yard and have a few nice horses with us so we're very happy.”
(GC & EM)
