Elliott advises Cossack caution
Since finishing fifth on his debut last spring, the five-year-old has turned in two impressive performances this season, winning by a full 18 lengths at Naas before landing a Grade Two prize at Navan last month.
Both Stan James and bet365 have the gelding at the head of their market for the big bumper at Cheltenham, but Elliott does not believe it is the right way to go with his exciting youngster.
“He’s fine, but I’d say it’s very doubtful that he’ll go to Cheltenham,” said Elliott.
“He’s done very well to win his two races this season, but he’s nice horse with a big future and he’ll either have just one more run this season or he won’t run at all.”
One Elliott inmate who is likely to cross the Irish Sea to line up at Prestbury Park in March is novice hurdler Mount Benbulben.
After winning in impressive fashion twice, the gelding suffered an odds-on reverse in Grade One company last time, but his trainer feels there were genuine excuses.
“We found he had a few back problems after his last run and he came back very stiff, but he’s fine now,” the trainer added.
“He could go straight to Cheltenham for the Albert Bartlett without having another run.”
Meanwhile exciting chaser Jessies Dream is set for an imminent return to action in either the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown or the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.
The nine-year-old won the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase for Elliott and owner David Johnson last season and was only narrowly beaten by compatriot Bostons Angel in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
He has not been seen since but Elliott remains hopeful he will return to Prestbury Park for a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
“He’s in good form and looks in good shape, so hopefully he’ll be ready to run soon,” said Elliott.
“He’ll either go for the Hennessy or the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park for his first run back and that will tell us a lot more.
“We still hope he’ll go for the Gold Cup, but we’ll obviously have to see how he gets on next time.”
Jessies Dream is currently a best priced 25-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the shortest of any Irish-trained horse.
Tony Martin remains upbeat about the long-term prospects of Dedigout – even though he suffered a first defeat over hurdles at Naas on Sunday.
The Punchestown and Navan winner was sent off the hot favourite for the Grade Two Slaney Novice Hurdle, but had to make do with an honourable third behind runaway winner Monksland.
Martin feels his charge performed with credit, and sees him as a staying chaser for the future.
“There’s not a bother on him and it wasn’t a bad run,” said the County Meath handler.
“He’s still inexperienced and he got in a bit close to the second-last.
“The winner was impressive and we were just beaten by a better horse on the day.
“Our lad is a real staying chaser in the making and there is still plenty to look forward to with him.”
