Elliott hoping Fagan can nick a place

Gordon Elliott hopes that Fagan can pick up some prize-money in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

The six-year-old won his first three after joining Elliott and then lost very little in defeat when second to O O Seven at Musselburgh.

"We went to Musselburgh the last day and he was beaten by O O Seven, but I thought it was a very good run," said Elliott.

"He won't disgrace himself and will have a good chance of finishing in the first four or five. I wouldn't send him if I thought he'd be tailed off and I bet you there'll be more behind him than in front of him.

"He could sneak into a place, definitely."

Willie Mullins is making a powerful bid to win this race for the first time by saddling no fewer than seven of the runners.

His septet is headed by Long Dog , who has won his last six starts that included Grade One races at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.

B achasson, Balko Des Flos , Bleu Et Rouge , Gangster , Open Eagle and Up For Review undoubtedly give the Closutton handler a formidable hand.