Worth taking 16-1 on outsider in staying chase

In Britain, Colin Tizzard seems to win every staying chase there is, while Gordon Elliott does the same in Ireland. This week Noble Endeavour ran away with the Paddy Power and yesterday Elliott saddled the 1-2 in the Lexus with Outlander clearing away from a rejuvenated Don Poli on the run-in.

It was pretty hard to predict that was going to be the case on recent form, but once again Elliott had them cherry ripe for the big day and I think it might be worth hoping the same happens in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown (1.55).

As you would imagine, Elliott doesn't make things easy by saddling three and, on chase form, Prince Of Scars is probably the least likely winner of his trio. However he is officially rated the best hurdler in the field and in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at this meeting last year, he cantered all over Alpha Des Obeaux and Martello Tower. Admittedly that was on totally different ground but it might be wrong to assume he needs heavy going to be at his best.