Gordon Elliott banking on No More Heroes for holiday solace

It has been a character-building Christmas period at times for Gordon Elliott but if No More Heroes doesn’t maintain an unbeaten record over fences at Leopardstown then the new year will hardly come quick enough for his trainer.

The four-runner Grade One Neville Hotels Novice Chase appears at first glance to be a case of Gigginstown Stud versus Monksland but No More Heroes is clearly Michael O’Leary’s number one and already has a top-flight verdict over Monksland to his credit.

That came in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse a month ago when the Elliott-trained star had two-and-a-half lengths in hand on his rival.

A step up to three miles should suit a confirmed stayer like Monksland and his jumping could also be sharper on this occasion.

Impossible

However, it’s not like No More Heroes won’t also relish a longer trip and there was an assurance about his Drinmore performance, especially in terms of his jumping, that was impossible to ignore.

Elliott’s holiday fortunes have swayed from a couple of Down Royal winners on St Stephen’s Day to Don Cossack’s dramatic King George exit and on to a plentiful supply of frustrating placed efforts before Prince Of Scars’ Grade One on Monday. But No More Heroes is already favourite for RSA success at Cheltenham in March and it will be a significant blow to connections if that doesn’t remain the case after this latest Grade One test.

Ground conditions will hardly be ideal for Morning Run’s first start in almost a year but Ruby Walsh’s mount has looked a class performer and can defy topweight in the Grade Three mares hurdle.

Court Frontier won by a wide margin over flights last time out and the conditions should be no problem to the seven-year-old who represents the in-form Alan Fleming yard in the Opportunity Chase.

The Fairyhouse winner Lucky Pass represents Willie Mullins in the bumper but Denis Hogan’s Jack The Wire could be a value alternative.