Gordon Elliott admits Sunday will tell him much more about immediate targets for Don Cossack as he bids to regain the winning thread in what looks a fascinating Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

The three-time bumper winner began the season with a huge reputation and could not have been more impressive on his hurdling debut at Navan in late November.

However, he was well beaten when falling at the last in the Grade One Navan Novice Hurdle in December and although subsequent results suggest he may have bumped into a superstar in Pont Alexandre, Elliott is convinced his charge was not at his best.

"He's in good shape and we're happy with him at home, so he's going to have to go and prove himself on the track now," said the trainer.

"I think he's going to have to improve on what he did the last day to win. Nothing really showed up after that but we felt he just had an off-day. Hopefully he is in better form with himself on Sunday and we'll see how he gets on.

"He's entered in Cheltenham, but we're not really sure where we're going with him. Sunday will tell us a lot."

Don Cossack faces a far from straightforward task with each of his five opponents lining up on the back of victories.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Starkie has won his last two at Cork and Tramore and now tests the water at Grade Two level, while Mumbo Jumbo won what looked a warm maiden hurdle at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting and his trainer Margaret Mullins is keen to see how he fares in better company.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins relies on Mozoltov, a leading bumper horse who won by 24 lengths on his hurdling bow at Gowran in December, and the field is completed by Noel Meade's highly regarded Ned Buntline and Pat Flynn's narrow Tramore scorer Waydownsouth.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests