Apple's Jade to step up in trip at Leopardstown but Mares' Hurdle still the plan

Gordon Elliott remains adamant the OLBG Mares' Hurdle is the most suitable Cheltenham Festival target for Apple's Jade but the trainer will step up the star to three miles once again for the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 28.

Apple's Jade was raised 4lb to a rating of 162 by handicapper Andrew Shaw for her 20-length victory in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday leading to calls for her to tackle either the Champion Hurdle or Stayers' Hurdle.

Watch: Apple's Jade win the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse

Elliott however, appears unlikely to be swayed and said on Monday: "I'm a big believer in that you should always go for the race which you think you have the best chance of winning and, in my opinion, Apple's Jade is most likely to win the Mares' Hurdle, so that is where she is likely to go."

Elliott, speaking at the launch of Leopardstown's Christmas festival at his Cullentra House Stables, added: "She pulled off a shoe on her near fore so she will have an easy week, but it won't keep her out of Leopardstown at Christmas and she will go straight there, most likely for the race she won last year.

"It is unbelievable that she's still only six. She has won eight Grade 1s now and seems to be getting better and better. We're very lucky to have her."

The Gigginstown House Stud mare was the standout name among 23 entries for the Christmas Hurdle, in which she could face old foe Benie Des Dieux, along with Faugheen, Sam Spinner and Supasundae.

Mengli Khan: Punchestown winner set for Racing Post Novice Chase at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann

Mengli Khan is on course for a crack at the Racing Post Novice Chase following his impressive winning debut over fences at Punchestown.

Elliott said: "Mengli Khan is in great form. He is very fresh and well this morning and I was delighted with him at Punchestown.

"The Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown would look the logical next step on the road, which will hopefully end up with him running in the Arkle at Cheltenham."

The Savills Chase has attracted a high-quality entry of 32, which includes British-trained Waiting Patiently and Clan Des Obeaux. Elliott boasts ten entries in that Grade 1 over three miles and last season's emphatic JLT winner Shattered Love could lead the charge.

"I was very happy with Shattered Love's first run at Down Royal and she will come on a lot for it," he said. "The next run will tell us a lot more about her but I think she's a mare who could run really, really well in a Cheltenham Gold Cup."

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