I’d run Conflated in the National if he was mine, says Elliott

Irish Gold Cup winner ran with great credit in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Friday.

Gordon Elliott would love to see Conflated take his chance in the Randox Grand National – but does not expect to see the Irish Gold Cup winner line up in the Aintree marathon.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned nine-year-old backed up his Leopardstown Savills Chase success with a fine run in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Friday, finishing third to Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame. A further length and a quarter back in fourth was 2022 National hero Noble Yeats.

Conflated is no stranger to Aintree, having been second to Clan Des Obeaux in the Bowl 12 months ago.

A big thumbs up from owner Michael O'Leary after Conflated's Irish Gold Cup victory
A big thumbs up from owner Michael O’Leary after Conflated’s Irish Gold Cup victory (Niall Carson/PA)

Elliott said: “He could go back to Aintree.

“If he was mine, he would run in the Grand National – I think he’s one of the best-handicapped horses in the race, but I don’t think I’ll get my way!”

Also in the mix for Aintree is Gerri Colombe, who finished off the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase in tremendous fashion but was a short-head down on The Real Whacker at the line.

“He is (still a top-class prospect). It just didn’t happen for him on the day,” said the Cullentra handler.

“You could see him in Aintree for the three-miler (Mildmay Novices’ Chase).”

Another on the team for Liverpool could be Mighty Potter, who was third to Stage Star in the Turners Novices’ Chase as the odds-on favourite.

Elliott said: “He was a little bit stiff. He’s had a trot this morning.

“All being well, he could have Aintree, Fairyhouse for the Powers Gold Cup, or Punchestown.

“We’ll see how he is at the end of the week.”

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