Cheltenham ante-post market movers - 'Gordon Elliott in red-hot form at Fairyhouse'

The final weekend of November witnessed some superb National Hunt action from both Britain and Ireland, with Gordon Elliott in red-hot form at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The Cullentra handler saw Romeo Coolio emerge as one of the finest novice chasers spotted in Britain or Ireland so far this season and he's one of the standout performers who looks destined for the Cheltenham Festival come March.

Romeo Coolio - 6/1 Arkle with Paddy Power

Golden Ace - 14/1 Champion Hurdle with Paddy Power

Ballyburn - 2/1 Stayers' Hurdle with Paddy Power

Romeo Coolio soars in Drinmore romp

Elliott and Jack Kennedy won all four graded races at Fairyhouse on Sunday and there was no doubting that Romeo Coolio was the star of the show for the Cullentra handler.

A Grade 1-winning novice over hurdles last Christmas, Romeo Coolio was placed at Cheltenham and Aintree in the Supreme and Top Novices' Hurdle in the spring.

The one thing Jack said is he wouldn't be afraid to bring him back to two miles off a real fast pace, the way he jumps. But there's no decision that needs to be made today, we're going to enjoy it

Gordon Elliott

There was much talk surrounding his career over fences and it continued in sublime fashion in the Drinmore.

Elliott has won the Grade 1 with the likes of Don Cossack (2013), Delta Work (2018), Envoi Allen (2020) and Mighty Potter (2022) in the past and appears to have another budding star on his hands again.

"The one thing Jack said is he wouldn't be afraid to bring him back to two miles off a real fast pace, the way he jumps. But there's no decision that needs to be made today, we're going to enjoy it."

Elliott added: "I'm still shaking after that, to be honest, as that was very good. He was foot- perfect the whole way."

Romeo Coolio is 6/1 for the Arkle and 12/1 for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase over three-miles.

Ace-trick delivers a second time

Golden Ace won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham back in March following a bizarre race where Constitution Hill and State Man both fell and Brighterdaysahead ran flat.

It was, by any standards, an incident packed contest and, surely, a set of circumstances that could never be repeated.

Newcastle's Fighting Fifth Hurdle on Saturday provided an eerily similar playbook. Constitution Hill dived at the second flight and gave himself no chance, while last season's outstanding novice, The New Lion, appeared to be running on fumes when he fell under Harry Skelton at the second last.

Anzadam, hitherto unbeaten, loomed large in the State Man colours for the Willie Mullins team, but Paul Townend's partner floundered and so it was Jeremy Scott's mare under Lorcan Williams who bagged another Grade 1.

She was rebounding from a poor comeback at Wetherby, after which scoped dirty and her trainer admits he wasn't overly keen on going to Newcastle.

"I couldn't come up with a reason not to run," said the winning trainer. "I didn't want to, I wanted to give her more time, but the trouble was it was either run here or wait until Kempton, and I thought this would suit her better."

A repeat tilt at the Champion Hurdle will be in the offing and, while her rivals find issues in the jumping, Golden Ace typically brings her best on the big days.

Ballyburn offers Stayers' hope

Ballyburn lost out in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle in a head-bobber with Teahupoo at Fairyhouse, but the Mullins inmate is now the favourite to avenge that defeat in the Stayers' Hurdle come March.

Ballyburn lost his way over fences last time around but was back on song at Fairyhouse in the 2m3f Grade 1.

Townend's partner displayed an incredibly low head carriage and appeared held as Kennedy brought Teahupoo to lead jumping the last as front-running Casheldale Lad crashed out.

Teahupoo was being hunted late on and a nose split the pair passing the line.

Connections of Ballyburn will be pleased to have their horse back in top shape and the three-mile test in the Cotswolds come March could be optimal.