Elliott maps out Harper route
The Gordon Elliott trained four-year-old lowered the lofty reputation of Franchoek last month and that rival has since gone on to land a Grade One event at Chepstow.
Despite being in receipt of 7lb that day, the Grand National-winning trainer believes his charge has improved as much in the interim.
Elliott said: “He could go to Haydock on the 19th or more than likely back to Cheltenham on the 26th for a Grade Two.
“After that it will be back to Cheltenham for the Triumph Hurdle. I think the race will suit him, a fast gallop.
“He’s got plenty of pace, he arrived there at the last on the bridle last time.
“He was getting 7lb but I think he has improved that 7lb since the race.
“I think he is definitely an improving horse.”
Elliott also has Festival aspirations for another Cheltenham winner, Newton Bridge.
“He’ll probably have one little race over hurdles before the Festival in March,” added the County Meath handler.
“I’m thinking of running him in the Coral Cup over two miles, five furlongs if everything works out well.
“He’s a course and distance winner but he would need to win one more beforehand to make sure he gets in.”
