‘Fresh and well’ Conflated poised to make his mark in Gold Cup
‘We all have to beat Galopin Des Champs, but I think we’re in the mix’.
Gordon Elliott is confident Conflated is “in the mix” for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup after deciding against bidding for back-to-back victories in Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown last weekend. The nine-year-old was a surprise winner of the Dublin Racing Festival feature 12 months ago, but proved that was no fluke by running well before falling in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham before pushing Clan Des Obeaux close in the Aintree Bowl. Following a promising comeback run at Down Royal in the autumn, Conflated dominated Leopardstown’s Savills Chase over the Christmas period, but Elliott elected to keep his powder dry for the blue riband in the Cotswolds next month. Speaking at a press event at his County Meath yard on Tuesday morning, the Cullentra handler admitted he was heartened to see Fury Road – third behind Conflated over the festive period – finish a similar distance behind Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs when third again on Saturday.The @CheltenhamRaces team @gelliott_racing stretching their legs this morning pic.twitter.com/VTL1wt3EbP
— Ashley Iveson (@AshIveson) February 7, 2023
“We decided not to run him in the Irish Gold Cup and he’ll go to Cheltenham fresh and well,” he said. “I suppose the fact that Fury Road led over the last the other day would give me hope that Conflated could run a good race in Cheltenham. “I probably ran him in the wrong race last year going for the Ryanair. The way he ran in Aintree last season and the way he ran in Leopardstown the last day, I think the Gold Cup will suit him.” The Willie Mullins-trained Galopin Des Champs strengthened his position at the head of the Gold Cup market with an eight-length verdict at Leopardstown – and while not everyone was blown away by the performance, Elliott expects him to prove a tough nut to crack.
Nice horse – the promising Three Card Brag is too good for Spanish Harlem and wins well for @gelliott_racing and @adrianheskin at @Fairyhouse 🏇 @McNeill_Family pic.twitter.com/SSNNkOERrC
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 25, 2023
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