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5 Gordon Elliott horses to keep a close eye on over Christmas

These are the horses the Meath man hopes will help extend his lead at the top of the Irish trainers championship.

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IT’S THE MOST wonderful time of the year for national hunt racing fans with meetings across Ireland and the UK over the next few days.

Of course, most of the focus in this part of the world will be on Leopardstown and Limerick’s Christmas festivals and the ongoing duel between Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins for the Irish champion trainers’ crown.

Elliott will be hoping to extend his lead over Mullins during the festive period and, on a visit to his yard, he highlighted five horses that could well end up first past the post.

Barra (French, 5 years old)

“She was second in the maiden for us, the invitation-only at Gowran Park.  I think she’ll come on from the run and the plan will be to go to Limerick for a mares’ maiden hurdle or to Leopardstown for a maiden hurdle.

“She’s in good form so we’re really looking forward to her over Christmas.”

Check out her full form here

Ucello Conti (French, 8 years old)

“He was second in the Paddy Power last year and finished sixth in the English National. He’d a good run back in the Beacher’s Chase a few weeks ago and the plan is to go with him in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown.

“He’s entitled to win a big handicap soon, he’s in very good form.”

Check out his full form here

Midnight Escape (Irish, 4 years old)

“He’d a very good run at Navan and finished third in a maiden hurdle but will go back to a bumper at Christmas, either the four-year-old bumper on Stephen’s Day or the 2.5 mile bumper on the third day.”

Check out his full form here

Missy Tata (French, 4 years old)

“She is a very good, consistent, mare and will either go to Leopardstown or Limerick for a mares’ hurdle.

She’s working well so we’re looking forward to running her.”

Check out her full form here

The Storyteller (Irish, 5 years old)

“He’ll go for a maiden hurdle at Down Royal on Stephen’s Day.

“He’s in very good form. He was second to Monalee on his last run over hurdles. He’s got experience and I think he’ll take an awful lot of beating.”

Check out his full form here

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