Jessies warms up for RSA

Gordon Elliott sees Sunday's Tote Pick Six Killiney Novice Chase at Leopardstown as the ideal stepping-stone to Cheltenham for his star chaser Jessies Dream.

The eight-year-old was a slightly fortunate winner of the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse last month as he profited from the final-fence fall of Mikael D'Haguenet, and he concedes weight all round this weekend.

Elliott had initially been looking at running his charge in the Dr PJ Moriarty at the start of February, but feels that may come too close to his big target, the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

"We looked at the Moriarty, but if it goes wrong at all you're on top of Cheltenham and it might just come a bit quick," Elliott told At The Races.

"We thought we'd go for this Grade Two and then freshen him up and bring him back for Cheltenham.

"He's got to give 7lb away for winning a Grade One, but if he's going to be winning an RSA Chase in Cheltenham, he wants to be winning with a 7lb penalty.

"Whatever happens at Leopardstown, we know it will suit him better over a longer trip and when the ground dries up."

Jessies Dream faces just four rivals, with Dessie Hughes saddling both Magnanimity and Western Charmer.

Bob Lingo and Elysian Rock complete the field.