Russell aims to grow lead on Walsh

RACING THURLES PREVIEW:TODAY'S MIDWEEK Thurles action might be unremarkable in itself but it could yet play a significant role in the eventual outcome of this season's jockey's championship.

Davy Russell currently holds a 96-81 lead over Ruby Walsh as he chases a first title, one which will be decided at the end of the Punchestown festival later in the month.

A 15-winner lead would normally be sufficient at this stage of the campaign, but Russell will be as aware of Walsh’s likely Punchestown ammunition as the multiple-champion will be of Russell’s attractive book of rides today.

The include the likely hot-favourite Der Spieler in the opener and the former Cheltenham festival hero Berties Dream who reverts to flights for the three-mile conditions hurdle.

Walsh has some fancied rides himself today, including Lord Gale in the three-mile maiden hurdle but here too Russell could trump him with the 121-rated Shrapnel.

The immediate Grand National focus may be on Fairyhouse this Monday, but Gordon Elliott is looking ahead to Aintree the following Saturday where he will attempt to win the world’s most famous steeplechase for the second time with Chicago Grey.

Elliott, famously a National winner in 2007 with Silver Birch, believes he will know early in Liverpool if his National dreams are realistic as Chicago Grey has a history of getting detached in the early stages of his races.

“He schooled last week, schooled very well and stays well, he won the four-miler at Cheltenham last year,” said Elliott. “He’s done everything we’ve wanted him to do this year. Paul Carberry is going to ride.”

Elliott added: “If he can get into a nice rhythm in the first half of the race I think he’ll run a massive race.

“The first four or five fences are going to be very important, if he can get into a rhythm and get jumping.

“He’s probably not the best jumper in the world, he’s adequate, he has his own technique. It’s hard to know what horse is going to take to it.

“He’s been round a lot of the park courses. I think he’ll be okay as he’s got a good man on his back. I just hope he doesn’t get detached early.”