Bayan and Shadow Catcher primed for Ladbroke Hurdle bid

The in-form Gordon Elliott has an enviable record in this Saturday's Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot and could be doubly represented in the big weekend handicap by Bayan and Shadow Catcher.

Willie Mullins's Clondaw Warrior, third in the Greatwood at Cheltenham, Tony Martin's Pyromaniac, and Sea Beat from Arthur Moore's yard at the other Irish acceptors among 22 left in the race.

Elliott won the Ladbroke in dramatic style with the 25-1 Cause Of Causes in 2012 and last year Flaxen Flare ran an honourable third in the race.

The Co Meath trainer continued his run of big weekend success at Navan on Sunday with No More Heroes winning a Grade Two, just a week after Don Cossack’s Durkan win at Punchestown.

The Greatwood winner Garde La Victoire has topweight in this Saturday’s race while his trainer Philip Hobbs also has the option of running Hello George.

There are no Irish hopefuls among just five left in the Long Walk Hurdle on the same Ascot card where the staying stalwart Reve De Sivola will attempt a hat-trick in the three mile event.

His trainer Nick Williams could also be interested by Aubusson while Paul Nicholls is likely to run Zarkandar, winner of a Grade One in France on his last start. Alan King is set to be represented by the Newbury winner Medinas.