‘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
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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