Elliott considering weekend plans

National hopes for Alpha Des Obeaux, with form boosted by Kimberlite Candy.

Gordon Elliott has yet to decide which of Hardline and Alpha Des Obeaux will take their chance in Sunday’s Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles.

Previously run as the Kinloch Brae, the Grade Two contest has attracted a high-class entry with Min, Cadmium and Footpad all possible for Willie Mullins.

Hardline was a faller at Leopardstown over Christmas, but had previously pushed Min close in the John Durkan, while Alpha Des Obeaux finished third over the National fences in the Becher Chase and a return to Aintree is on the cards for him.

“Hardline is in good form and worked this morning. He’s a possible runner at Thurles, but we’ll get a look at the race and make a decision then,” said Elliott on Wednesday.

“Alpha Des Obeaux may not run and could wait for the Bobbyjo. The National is the plan with him.

“He ran well in the Becher and the second horse (Kimberlite Candy) came out and won the other day (Classic Chase at Warwick), so that’s hopefully where he’ll go.”

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